scholarly journals Comparison between low disease activity or DAS remission as treatment target in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis

RMD Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gülşah Akdemir ◽  
Iris M Markusse ◽  
Sytske Anne Bergstra ◽  
Robbert J Goekoop ◽  
Esmeralda T Molenaar ◽  
...  
2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. 454.1-454
Author(s):  
G. Akdemir ◽  
I.M. Markusse ◽  
A.A. Schouffoer ◽  
P.B. de Sonnaville ◽  
B.A. Grillet ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 1268-1274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne M.R. de Punder ◽  
Jos Hendrikx ◽  
Alfons A. den Broeder ◽  
Elia Valls Pascual ◽  
Piet L. van Riel ◽  
...  

Objective.Clinical remission currently is the treatment target for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At the same level of inflammation, the prognosis regarding joint damage is believed to be different for anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-negative and ACPA-positive patients. Our objective was to show the difference in prognosis at similar disease activity levels, and to illustrate how this could be translated to differentiation of treatment targets.Methods.Data were used from the Nijmegen Early RA Cohort. The relation between the time-averaged disease activity level (by Disease Activity Score; DAS) and joint damage progression over 3 years was analyzed, separately for ACPA-negative and ACPA-positive patients. Joint damage was assessed as change in Ratingen score, and dichotomized as occurrence of erosions in joints that were unaffected at baseline. Linear and logistic multivariable regression models were used.Results.The regression coefficient of DAS on change in Ratingen score was 3.9 (p < 0.001) for ACPA-negative and 4.7 (p < 0.001) for ACPA-positive patients, showing less joint damage progression at the same disease activity level in ACPA-negative patients. This difference became greater with increasing disease activity. The probability for erosions in joints unaffected at baseline was 0.35 in ACPA-negative patients when time-averaged DAS was < 2.4 versus 0.80 in ACPA-positive patients.Conclusion.At the same level of inflammation, ACPA-negative patients have less joint damage and lower probability for damage in newly affected joints than ACPA-positive patients. Low disease activity might be a sufficiently strict treatment target for ACPA-negative patients to prevent progression of joint damage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneela Mian ◽  
Fowzia Ibrahim ◽  
David L. Scott

Abstract Background We systematically reviewed current guidelines for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to evaluate their range and nature, assess variations in their recommendations and highlight divergence in their perspectives. Methods We searched Medline and Embase databases using the terms ‘clinical practice guidelines’ and ‘rheumatoid arthritis’ from January 2000 to January 2017 together with publications of national and international bodies. We included guidelines providing recommendations on general RA management spanning a range of treatments and published in English. We undertook narrative assessments due to the heterogeneity of the guidelines. Results We identified 529 articles; 22 met our inclusion criteria. They were primarily developed by rheumatologists with variable involvement of patient and other experts. Three dealt with early RA, one established RA and 18 all patients. Most guidelines recommend regular assessments based on the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology core dataset; 18 recommended the disease activity score for 28 joints. Twenty recommended targeting remission; 16 suggested low disease activity as alternative. All guidelines recommend treating active RA; 13 made recommendations for moderate disease. The 21 guidelines considering early RA all recommended starting disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) as soon as possible; methotrexate was recommended for most patients. Nineteen recommended combination DMARDs when patients failed to respond fully to monotherapy and biologics were not necessarily indicated. Twenty made recommendations about biologics invariably suggesting their use after failing conventional DMARDs, particularly methotrexate. Most did not make specific recommendations about using one class of biologics preferentially. Eight recommended tapering biologics when patients achieved sustained good responses. Conclusions Five general principles transcend most guidelines: DMARDs should be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis; methotrexate is the best initial treatment; disease activity should be regularly monitored; give biologics to patients with persistently active disease who have already received methotrexate; remission or low disease activity are the preferred treatment target.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1134.2-1134
Author(s):  
V. Rybakova ◽  
A. Avdeeva ◽  
Y. Olyunin ◽  
E. Nasonov

Background:Current guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recommend early administration of methotrexate (MTX) and addition of a biologic if MTX monotherapy does not provide remission or low activity of the disease. Efficacy of this strategy in real clinical practice was assessed using data from the Russian RA registry OREL.Objectives:To analyze long-term results of intensive treatment initiated at RA onset in real clinical practice.Methods:141 RA patients with disease duration less than 3 years (29 men, 112 women) were included. 112 were positive for rheumatoid factor and 119 – for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. Subcutaneous MTX was initiated at 10-15 mg per week with further dose escalation up to 20-30 mg per week. Therapy was adjusted every 3 months. If MTX monotherapy did not allow to achieve treatment target of remission or low disease activity, biologics were added.Results:Median DAS 28 at baseline was 5,31 [4,79; 6,14]. Initiation of treatment resulted in steady decrease of disease activity (p<0.05, table1). After 1 year of follow-up 33.8% of patients received MTX monotherapy, 33.8% – MTX in combination with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, 22.0% – MTX +abatacept, 0.55% – MTX+ tocilizumab, 0.47% – MTX + rituximab. Low disease activity was achieved in 16.3% patients, and remission - in 45.8%. After 6 years median age of patients was 58 [49; 66] years, disease duration – 84 [79; 89] months, low disease activity was documented in 21.3%, and remission – in 7.8% of cases (fig. 1). 7% of patients were able to maintain remission without any treatment. Biologics were discontinued in 15 patients after achieving remission or low disease activity, and synthetic DMARDs – in 5 patients having remission.Conclusion:Intensive therapy initiated at RA onset demonstrates high effectiveness, allowing 61.5% of patients to achieve low disease activity or remission within 12 months, and to maintain these results after 6 years of treatment in 29.2%. Adherence to this strategy allowed to discontinue biologics in 15 patients and synthetic DMARDs in 5 patients after achieving treatment target.Figure 1.Changes of the disease activity during follow-upTable 1.Changes of the main inflammatory activity measures, Me [25th; 75th percentile]Parametres012 months6 yearsDAS285,31 [4,79; 6,14]2,85 [2; 3,90] *4,008 [3,4; 4,59] *SDAI28,27 [18,79; 40,73]5,67 [2; 11,98] *15,06 [9,32; 21] *CDAI25 [17; 36]5 [1,7; 11] *15 [9; 21] *ESR (mm/hr)32 [19; 50]16 [8; 30] *16 [10; 25] *CRP (mg/l)26,55 [6,4; 45,30]3,85 [1,5; 11,3]*2,2 [0,9; 4,9] ** p<0.05 in all cases.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-274
Author(s):  
V. V. Rybakova ◽  
A. S. Avdeeva ◽  
D. A. Dibrov ◽  
E. L. Nasonov

Aim – to analyze long-term results of intensive treatment initiated at rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset in real clinical practice.Material and methods. 93 RA patients were included. Subcutaneous MTX was initiated at 10–15 mg per week with further dose escalation up to 20–30 mg per week. If MTX monotherapy did not allow to achieve treatment target of remission or low disease activity, biologics were added.Results. Against the background of observation, there was a significant decrease in the activity of diseases and the level of acute phase indicators, after 12 months of treatment, the values of the DAS28-ESR indices were 2.76 [2; 3.7], SDAI – 5.34 [1.8; 9.7], CDAI – 5 [1.5; 9.5], corresponded to low disease activity; remission was achieved in 48.6%, low activity – in 17.5%, moderate activity remained in 31%, high activity – in 2.7% of patients. After 6 years the median age of patients was 58 [49; 66] years, the disease duration – 84 [79; 89] months, the low disease activity was documented in 21.3%, and remission – in 7.8% of patients. After 6 years, the value of the activity indices was: DAS28 – 4 [3.4; 4.59], SDAI – 15.06 [9.32; 21], CDAI – 15 [9; 21]; remission – in 7.7%, low disease activity – in 21.1%, moderate activity – in 60%, high activity – in 11.1% of patients.Conclusion. Intensive therapy initiated at RA onset demonstrates high effectiveness, allowing to achieve remission/low disease activity in about 30% of patients. Adherence to this strategy allowed to discontinue biologics in and synthetic DMARDs after achieving treatment target.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 645.1-645
Author(s):  
K. Katayama ◽  
K. Yujiro ◽  
T. Okubo ◽  
R. Fukai ◽  
T. Sato ◽  
...  

Background:Many studies have been reported to reduce/discontinue Biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In contrast, study for tapering methotrexate (MTX) has been limited (1,2).Objectives:We prospectively examined whether bone destruction will progress at 48 weeks after tapering or discontinuing MTX (UMIN000028875).Methods:The subjects were RA patients who have maintained low disease activity or lower for 24 weeks or more in DAS28-CRP after MTX administration. Patients having PDUS Grade 2 or 3 per site by bilateral hand ultrasonography (26 area) were excluded in this study owing to risk for joint destruction. The joint destruction was evaluated by the joint X-ray evaluation by modified total Sharp scoring (mTSS) at 1 year after the start of tapering MTX. Evaluation of clinical disease activities, severe adverse events, the continuation rate during MTX tapering were also evaluated. According to tapering response, prognostic factor for good response for tapering, joint destruction was determined. Predictors for successful tapering MTX and progression of bone destruction were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test using SAS .13.2 software.Results:The subjects were 79 (16 males, 63 females). Age average 60.9 years, disease duration 4 years 4 months, MTX dose 8.43 mg / w, DAS28-CRP 1.52, DMARDs (24.3%), ACPA 192.7 U / ml (70.5%), RF 55.6 IU / ml (65.4%).MTX was tapered from an average of 8.43 mg / w before study to 5.46 mg / w one year later. In the treatment evaluation, DAS28-CRP increased from 1.52 to 1.84. 89.7% of subjects did not progress joint damage. Other disease activities significantly increased (Table 1). The one-year continuation rate was 78.2%. Since tapering effects were varied widely, we divided patients into three groups; Flared group (N=14, initial MTX dose 8.71mg/w, final MTX dose 8.42mg/w), Low response group (N=31, final MTX reduction rate< 50%, initial MTX dose 8.93mg/w, final MTX dose 6.22mg/w), High response group (N=34, final MTX reduction rate≥ 50%, initial MTX dose 8.5mg/w, final MTX dose 3.15mg/w)(Table 2).Higher RF value at baseline and higher MTX dose at 3M, 6M were predictors of whether a subject was in Low response group or High Response group. Higher RF value and mTSS at baseline and higher MTX dose at 6M were predictors whether a subject was in Flared group or High response group. Lower age was predictor of whether a subject was in Flared group or Low responder group. Finally, mean ΔmTSS /y in Flared group (0.36) was not significantly higher than in low response group (0.07) and in high response group (0.01).Table 1Table 2.Predictors for successful tapering MTX and progression of bone destructionConclusion:Patients with MTX-administered low disease activity and finger joint echo PDUS grade 1 satisfy almost no joint destruction even after MTX reduction. For tapering, predictors may be helpful for maintaining patient’s satisfaction.References:[1]Baker KF, Skelton AJ, Lendrem DW et al. Predicting drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective interventional cohort study. J. Autoimmunity. 2019;105: 102298.[2]Lillegraven S, Sundlisater N, Aga A et al. Tapering of Conventional Synthetic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Sustained Remission: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. American College of Rheumatology. 2019; Abstract L08.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rugina I Neuman ◽  
Hieronymus T W Smeele ◽  
A H Jan Danser ◽  
Radboud J E M Dolhain ◽  
Willy Visser

Abstract Objectives An elevated sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio has been validated as a significant predictor of preeclampsia, but has not been established in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We explored whether the sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio could be altered due to disease activity in RA, and could be applied in this population to predict preeclampsia. Since sulfasalazine has been suggested to improve the angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia, we also aimed to examine whether sulfasalazine could affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels. Methods Making use of a nationwide, observational, prospective cohort study on pregnant women with RA, sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured in the third trimester. A total of 221 women, aged 21–42 years, were included, with a median gestational age of 30 + 3 weeks. Results No differences in sFlt-1 or PlGF were observed between women with high, intermediate or low disease activity (p= 0.07 and p= 0.41), whereas sFlt-1 and PlGF did not correlate with DAS28-CRP score (r=-0.01 and r=-0.05, respectively). Four (2%) women with a sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio ≤38 developed preeclampsia in comparison to three (43%) women with a ratio &gt; 38, corresponding to a negative predictive value of 98.1%. Sulfasalazine users (n = 57) did not show altered levels of sFlt-1 or PlGF in comparison to non-sulfasalazine users (n = 164, p= 0.91 and p= 0.11). Conclusion Our study shows that in pregnant women with RA, the sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio is not altered due to disease activity and a cut-off ≤38 can be used to exclude preeclampsia. Additionally, sulfasalazine use did not affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels in this population.


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