AC-CUTE: An Open-Label Study to Evaluate Progression of Structural Joint Damage and Inflammation in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis

Aim. Examine the efficacy of once-weekly subcutaneous tocilizumab (SC-TCZ) on joint damage at 24 weeks based on radiography of the hands and feet and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hand in subjects with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. In this Australian open-label, multicentre, prospective, single-arm study, subjects received 162 mg SC-TCZ weekly. Primary endpoint was change in radiographic Genant-modified Total Sharp Score (TSS) between baseline and Week 24. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline to Week 24 in RA MRI scoring (RAMRIS) of erosions, synovitis, and osteitis and Cartilage Loss Score (CARLOS) in the dominant hand and disease activity score 28 (DAS28). Results. 52 subjects were enrolled (80% female, mean (SD) age 57 (12) years). Radiography showed mild but not significant progression of joint damage (mean (SD) change in TSS 0.46 (1.29)). Synovitis reduced significantly on MRI; however, osteitis, erosion, and cartilage loss did not change significantly. DAS28 improved significantly by Week 24; 78% of subjects achieved DAS28 remission. SC-TCZ was generally well tolerated. Conclusion. Synovitis and DAS28 decreased significantly; however, no significant change in osteitis or joint damage was observed at Week 24. Trial registration. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01951170 (ML28703).

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SAT0031 CORRELATION BETWEEN IRREVERSIBLE PHYSICAL DISABILITY AND JOINT DAMAGE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1113 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 945-946

Author(s):

E. Cipolletta ◽

A. Incorvaia ◽

R. Mashadi Mirza ◽

A. DI Matteo ◽

M. Tardella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Clinical Remission ◽

Physical Disability ◽

Scoring System ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Joint Damage ◽

Erosion Score ◽

Hands And Feet ◽

And Cartilage

Background:In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), irreversible physical disability appears to be more clearly associated with cartilage damage rather than with bone erosions (BE) using conventional radiography (CR) imaging.Objectives:To investigate the correlation between the ultrasound (US) and CR findings indicative of joint damage and irreversible physical disability in patients with RA in sustained clinical remission.Methods:Patients in sustained clinical remission according to the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)≤3.3 for at least 6 months were enrolled. The following data were regireted: age, disease duration, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA) antibody and rheumatoid factor (RF) status, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), CR of hands and feet [evaluated using the Simple Erosion Narrowing Score (SENS) method]. A standardized US examination was carried out to investigate the presence of BE (lateral side of II metacarpophalangeal, V metacarpophalangeal and V metatarsophalangeal joints and ulnar styloid) and of cartilage damage (II to V metacarpal heads), bilaterally. BE and cartilage damage were assessed according to OMERACT definitions. A semiquantitative scoring system for both BE (1) and cartilage damage (2) was adopted.Results:Ninety patients were consecutively enrolled. Average time for US evaluation was 10±2 minutes. Both SENS-JSN and US score of cartilage damage (US-CD) were significantly associated with irreversible disability (R=0.39, p<0.01 and R=0.46, p<0.01). US and CR showed a moderate agreement in the evaluation of cartilage damage (kappa=0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.61).Figure 1.shows the association between disability and structural damage (A: US-CD, B: US-BE, C: SENS-JSN and D: SENS-BE). After adjusting for confounding factors (age, disease duration, ACPA and RF status, SENS-BE and US-BE) cartilage damage was the only significant predictor of irreversible disability both using CR (R2=0.31, adjusted R2=0.26, standardized β=0.36, p<0.01) and US (R2=0.31, adjusted R2=0.26, standardized β=0.34, p<0.01).Conclusion:This study supports the hypothesis that cartilage damage is more relevant than BE in determining irreversible disability in RA. Our data provide further evidence in favor of the external validity of US in the assessment of cartilage damage.References:[1] Ohrndorf S, Messerschmidt J, Reiche BE, et al. Evaluation of a new erosion score by musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: is US ready for a new erosion score? Clin Rheumatol. 2014;33:1255-62.[2] Mandl P, Studenic P, Filippucci E, et al. Development of semiquantitative ultrasound scoring system to assess cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2019;58:1802-11.Disclosure of Interests:Edoardo Cipolletta: None declared, Antonella Incorvaia: None declared, Riccardo Mashadi Mirza: None declared, Andrea Di Matteo Grant/research support from: the publication was conducted while Dr. Di Matteo was an ARTICULUM fellow, Marika Tardella: None declared, Walter Grassi Speakers bureau: Prof. Grassi reports personal fees from AbbVie, personal fees from Celgene, personal fees from Grünenthal, personal fees from Pfizer, personal fees from Union Chimique Belge Pharma, outside the submitted work., Emilio Filippucci Speakers bureau: Dr. Filippucci reports personal fees from AbbVie, personal fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb, personal fees from Celgene, personal fees from Roche, personal fees from Union Chimique Belge Pharma, personal fees from Pfizer, outside the submitted work.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Results Following Discontinuation of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Subcutaneous Tocilizumab: The COMP-ACT MRI Substudy

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.180953 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 325-332

Author(s):

Charles Peterfy ◽

Joel Kremer ◽

William Rigby ◽

Nora Singer ◽

Christine Birchwood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Joint Damage ◽

Cartilage Loss ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Low Disease Activity ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

And Cartilage

Objective.To assess differences in joint damage and inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who achieved low disease activity with tocilizumab (TCZ) + methotrexate (MTX) and subsequently continued or discontinued MTX.Methods.In the COMP-ACT trial, US patients with RA received subcutaneous TCZ 162 mg + MTX. Those who achieved 28-joint count Disease Activity Score calculated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) ≤ 3.2 at Week 24 were randomized 1:1 (double-blind) to discontinue MTX (TCZ monotherapy; mono) or continue TCZ + MTX until Week 52. In a subset of patients, 1.5-Tesla MRI was used to obtain images of bilateral hands and wrists at weeks 24 and 40. Outcomes included changes in MRI-assessed synovitis, osteitis, erosion, and cartilage loss from Week 24 to Week 40, and in the proportion of patients with progression of each score.Results.Of 296 patients who achieved DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2 at Week 24, 79 were enrolled in the pilot MRI substudy and randomized to TCZ mono (n = 38) or TCZ + MTX (n = 41). Treatment with either TCZ mono or TCZ + MTX suppressed erosion progression, synovitis, osteitis, and cartilage loss. The proportion of patients with no progression in each outcome measure was similar between groups (range, TCZ mono: 84.8–97.0%; TCZ + MTX: 92.3–100%).Conclusion.In a subset of patients who achieved low disease activity with TCZ + MTX, MRI changes were minimal in intraarticular inflammation and damage measures in patients who discontinued MTX versus those who continued TCZ + MTX.

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SAT0036 ULTRASOUND IN THE ASSESSMENT OF JOINT DAMAGE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW BY THE OMERACT ULTRASOUND WORKING GROUP

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.5712 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 948-948

Author(s):

I. Gessl ◽

B. Wildner ◽

P. Balint ◽

M. A. D’agostino ◽

P. Mandl

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Working Group ◽

Structural Damage ◽

Bone Erosion ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Joint Damage ◽

Cartilage Loss ◽

Measurement Properties ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Dominant Hand

Background:The detection of damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is crucial for monitoring of therapy targets as well as for early diagnosis. Conventional radiography (CR) is commonly used to detect structural damage, in the form of bone erosions or loss of hyaline cartilage. Over the last years, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) was shown to be a sensitive and reliable method to detect erosion and cartilage loss as well as damage to soft tissue structures.Objectives:To identify and synthesize the evidence for the use and measurement properties of MSUS in assessing structural damage in patients with RA.Methods:A systematic literature search (SLR) of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed. Original articles were included that were published in English until 01/01/2019, reporting MSUS of bone erosion, cartilage loss or damage and tendon damage, and the measurement properties of MSUS according to the OMERACT Filter 2.1.Results:Of the 1.266 identified articles 79 were finally included, most of which reported on cross-sectional studies. The majority of the studies used the OMERACT definitions for ultrasonographic pathology. Among these, erosions were assessed in 72 (91.1%), cartilage damage in 12 (15.2%), tendons in 4 (5.1%) studies and enthesophytes in a single (1.3%) study. Erosions were rated by binary grading in 56 (77.8%) studies and by semiquantitative scoring in 27 (37.5%) studies. Global or sum scores were calculated in only 9 (12.5%) studies. Among 23 studies assessing erosions both by US and CR, only 1/23 (4.3%) study found a higher sensitivity of CR as compared to MSUS. Among studies assessing tendons, 3 (75%) used a semiquantitative score and one scored tendon rupture as being present or absent. Cartilage damage was graded in binary fashion, quantitatively by measuring cartilage thickness or semi-quantitatively. Hand joints were the most frequently evaluated joints (58, 73.4%). The overwhelming majority of studies assessed structural damage bilaterally (68, 86.1%), with 5 (6.3%) studies assessing only the dominant hand, 5 (6.3%) studies evaluating the clinically more affected side and 1 (1.3%) study assessing only the right hand. Validity, reliability and responsiveness were assessed in only 8 (10.1%), 10 (12.7%) and 4 (5.1%) studies respectively. Feasibility was not considered in any of the studies.Conclusion:While the results of this SLR suggest that US is a sensitive and feasible tool to detect damage in RA, they also highlight the need for further research and validation. Findings of this SLR will inform the next steps of the Working Group in developing an ultrasound score for assessing structural damage in patients with RA.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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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

Applied Clinical Research Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs ◽

10.2174/2213476x07666200120111549 ◽

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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Managing Osteoporosis and Joint Damage in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10061241 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1241

Author(s):

Yoshiya Tanaka

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Structural Damage ◽

Kinase Inhibitors ◽

Joint Destruction ◽

Joint Damage ◽

Nuclear Factor Κb ◽

Cartilage Destruction ◽

Janus Kinase ◽

Systemic Autoimmune Disease ◽

And Cartilage

In rheumatoid arthritis, a representative systemic autoimmune disease, immune abnormality and accompanying persistent synovitis cause bone and cartilage destruction and systemic osteoporosis. Biologics targeting tumor necrosis factor, which plays a central role in the inflammatory process, and Janus kinase inhibitors have been introduced in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, making clinical remission a realistic treatment goal. These drugs can prevent structural damage to bone and cartilage. In addition, osteoporosis, caused by factors such as menopause, aging, immobility, and glucocorticoid use, can be treated with bisphosphonates and the anti-receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand antibody. An imbalance in the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis induces an imbalance in bone metabolism. However, osteoporosis and bone and cartilage destruction occur through totally different mechanisms. Understanding the mechanisms underlying osteoporosis and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis leads to improved care and the development of new treatments.

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MRI and Dose Selection in a Phase II Trial of Baricitinib with Conventional Synthetic Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.171469 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (8) ◽

pp. 887-895 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Charles Peterfy ◽

Julie DiCarlo ◽

Paul Emery ◽

Mark C. Genovese ◽

Edward C. Keystone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Erosion ◽

Joint Damage ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Cartilage Loss ◽

Dose Selection ◽

Mri Findings ◽

Clinical Trial Registration ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Link Type ◽

Registration Number

Objective.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used in a phase IIb study of baricitinib in patients with RA to support dose selection for the phase III program.Methods.Three hundred one patients with active RA who were taking stable methotrexate were randomized 2:1:1:1:1 to placebo or once-daily baricitinib (1, 2, 4, or 8 mg) for up to 24 weeks. One hundred fifty-four patients with definitive radiographic erosion had MRI of the hand/wrist at baseline and at weeks 12 and 24. Two expert radiologists, blinded to treatment and visit order, scored images for synovitis, osteitis, bone erosion, and cartilage loss. Combined inflammation (osteitis + 3× synovitis score) and total joint damage (erosion + 2.5× cartilage loss score) scores were calculated. Treatment groups were compared using ANCOVA adjusting for baseline scores.Results.Mean changes from baseline to Week 12 for synovitis were −0.10, −1.50, and −1.60 for patients treated with placebo, baricitinib 4 mg, and baricitinib 8 mg, respectively (p = 0.003 vs placebo for baricitinib 4 and 8 mg). Mean changes for osteitis were 0.00, −3.20, and −2.10 (p = 0.001 vs placebo for baricitinib 4 mg and p = 0.037 for 8 mg), respectively. Mean changes for bone erosion were 0.90, 0.10, and 0.40 (p = 0.089 for 4 mg and p = 0.275 for 8 mg), respectively, in these treatment groups.Conclusion.MRI findings in this subgroup of patients suggest suppression of synovitis, osteitis, and combined inflammation by baricitinib 4 and 8 mg. This corroborates previously demonstrated clinical efficacy of baricitinib and increases confidence that baricitinib 4 mg could reduce the radiographic progression in phase III studies. [Clinical trial registration number (www.ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT01185353]

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Two-Year Safety and Effectiveness of Peficitinib in Moderate-To-Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Phase IIb, Open-Label Extension Study

Rheumatology and Therapy ◽

10.1007/s40744-019-00167-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 503-520 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mark C. Genovese ◽

Maria W. Greenwald ◽

Sergio R. Gutierrez-Ureña ◽

Mario H. Cardiel ◽

Jeffrey E. Poiley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Extension Study ◽

Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Open Label ◽

Open Label Extension

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A hospital-based observational cohort study exploring pain and biomarkers in patients with hand osteoarthritis in Norway: The Nor-Hand protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016938 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e016938 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Marthe Gløersen ◽

Elisabeth Mulrooney ◽

Alexander Mathiessen ◽

Hilde Berner Hammer ◽

Barbara Slatkowsky-Christensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Underlying Disease ◽

Special Focus ◽

Hand Osteoarthritis ◽

Dominant Hand ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pain Mechanisms ◽

Written Information ◽

Registration Number ◽

Hands And Feet ◽

Baseline Examination

IntroductionWe have limited knowledge about the underlying disease mechanisms and causes of pain in hand osteoarthritis (OA). Consequently, no disease-modifying drug exists, and more knowledge about the pathogenesis of hand OA is needed, as well as a validation of different outcome measures. Our first aim of this study is to explore the validity of various imaging modalities for the assessment of hand OA. Second, we want to gain a better understanding of the disease processes, with a special focus on pain mechanisms.Methods and analysisThe Nor-Hand study is a hospital-based observational study including 300 patients with evidence of hand OA by ultrasound and/or clinical examination. The baseline examination consists of functional tests and joint assessment of the hands, medical assessment, pain sensitisation tests, ultrasound (hands, acromioclavicular joint, hips, knees and feet), CT and MRI of the dominant hand, conventional radiographs of the hands and feet, fluorescence optical imaging of the hands, collection of blood and urine samples as well as self-reported demographic factors and OA-related questionnaires. Two follow-up examinations are planned. Cross-sectional analyses will be used to investigate agreements and associations between different relevant measures at the baseline examination, whereas the longitudinal data will be used for evaluation of predictors for clinical outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol is approved by the Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (Ref. no: 2014/2057). The participants receive oral and written information about the project and sign a consent form before participation. They can, whenever they want, withdraw from the study, and all de-identified data will be safely stored on the research server at Diakonhjemmet Hospital. Results will be presented at international and national congresses and in peer-reviewed rheumatology journals.Trial registration numberNCT03083548; Pre-results.

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Successful reduction of overexposure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with high serum adalimumab concentrations: an open-label, non-inferiority, randomised clinical trial

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211781 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 77 (4) ◽

pp. 484-487 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Merel J l’Ami ◽

Charlotte LM Krieckaert ◽

Michael T Nurmohamed ◽

Ronald F van Vollenhoven ◽

Theo Rispens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Dose Interval ◽

Randomised Clinical Trial ◽

High Serum ◽

Open Label ◽

Dosing Interval ◽

Registration Number ◽

Trough Concentrations ◽

Successful Reduction

ObjectiveHigh adalimumab serum concentrations do not result in better response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting overexposure. We investigated whether patients with adalimumab concentrations >8 µg/mL can prolong their dosing interval by 50% without a clinically relevant change in disease activity.MethodsConsecutive patients with RA, treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week for at least 28 weeks, were approached for this randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial. Patients with adalimumab trough concentrations >8 µg/mL were randomly (1:1) assigned to dose-interval prolongation of once every 3 weeks or continuation of every other week. Primary outcome was the change in disease activity score of 28 joints (ΔDAS28-ESR) after 28 weeks, with a non-inferiority margin of 0.6 points.ResultsIn total, 147 patients were screened. Fifty-five patients had concentrations >8 µg/mL and were randomised. Mean ΔDAS28 after 28 weeks was –0.14±SD 0.61 in the prolongation group and 0.30±0.52 in the continuation group. Mean difference was significantly in favour of the prolongation group: 0.44 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.76, p=0.01).ConclusionsAdalimumab-treated patients with RA with trough concentrations >8 µg/mL can prolong their standard dosing interval to once every 3 weeks without loss of disease control.Trial registration numberNTR3509; Results.

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Targeting ultrasound remission in early rheumatoid arthritis: the results of the TaSER study, a randomised clinical trial

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208941 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 75 (6) ◽

pp. 1043-1050 ◽

Cited By ~ 102

Author(s):

James Dale ◽

Anne Stirling ◽

Ruiqi Zhang ◽

David Purves ◽

Jonathan Foley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Triple Therapy ◽

Early Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Power Doppler ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Total Power ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Dominant Hand ◽

Core Set ◽

Hands And Feet

ObjectiveTo investigate whether an intensive early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treat-to-target (T2T) strategy could be improved through the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) assessment of disease activity.Methods111 newly diagnosed patients with RA or undifferentiated arthritis (symptom duration <1 year) were randomised to strategies that aimed to attain either DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)<3.2 (control) or a total power Doppler joint count≤1 during a combined DAS28-ESR/MSUS assessment (intervention). MSUS examination was indicated if: DAS28-ESR<3.2 or DAS28-ESR≥3.2 with two swollen joints. Step-up disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) escalation was standardised: methotrexate monotherapy, triple therapy and then etanercept/triple therapy. American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core-set variables were assessed 3 monthly by a metrologist blinded to group allocation. MRI of dominant hand and wrist, and plain radiographs of hands and feet were undertaken at baseline and 18 months for grading by two readers using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring System (RAMRIS) and van der Heijde/Sharp Score, respectively. The coprimary outcomes were mean change from baseline of DAS44 and RAMRIS erosion score.ResultsGroups were matched for baseline clinical, demographic and radiographic features. The intervention group received more intensive DMARD therapy. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in DAS44 (mean change: control −2.58, intervention −2.69; 95% CI difference between groups −0.70 to 0.48; p=0.72). There were no significant between-group differences for any ACR core-set variables, except DAS44 remission after 18 months (control 43%, intervention 66%; p=0.03). There was minimal progression of MRI and radiographic erosions and no difference in imaging outcomes or serious adverse event rates.ConclusionsIn early RA, a MSUS-driven T2T strategy led to more intensive treatment, but was not associated with significantly better clinical or imaging outcomes than a DAS28-driven strategy.Trial registration numberNCT00920478.

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