How to Monitor Disease Activity of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Clinical Practice.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Treatment guided by periodic and quantitative data assessment results in better outcomes compared to using clinical gestalt. While validated generic as well as specific disease activity measures for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are available, there is vast scope to improve their actual utilization in routine clinical practice. In this review, we discuss available disease activity measures for axSpA, describe results from the survey conducted among general rheumatologists as well as Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) members about disease activity measurement in daily practice, and discuss ways to improve axSpA disease activity using technological advances. We also discuss the definitions of active disease and target for the treatment of axSpA. RECENT FINDINGS: The 2019 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)/Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) axSpA treatment guidelines conditionally recommend the regular monitoring of disease activity using a validated measure such as Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Severity Index (ASDAS). Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS)-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) guidelines recommend ASDAS as the most appropriate instrument for the assessment of disease activity, preferably calculated using C-reactive protein (CRP). ASAS has selected a core set of variables which were updated recently and have been endorsed by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) group in order to bring homogeneity in assessment of axSpA. In a recent study, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) measures were able to discriminate inactive, moderate, and high-very high ASDAS activity groups. A newly developed semi-objective index P4 (pain, physical function, patient global, and physician global) correlates well with BASDAI and ASDAS in axSpA and can also be used for other rheumatic diseases in busy clinical practices. Regular disease activity monitoring is critical for long-term management of axSpA and shared decision-making. The integration of electronic health records and smart devices provides a great opportunity to capture patient-reported data. Automated capture of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) is a highly efficient way and results in consistent regular monitoring and may improve the long-term outcomes. While currently used measures focus only on musculoskeletal symptoms of axSpA, a composite disease activity measure that can also incorporate extra-articular manifestations may provide a better assessment of disease activity.

Update on gout management: what is old and what is new.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The global burden of gout is rising, as are the prevalence of associated comorbidities, all-cause mortality and societal costs. In this review, we discuss recent advances in epidemiology and treatment strategies for gout. RECENT FINDINGS: Genetic factors and obesity are prominent contributors to hyperuricemia and gout, while dietary factors contribute to less variance in serum urate, though can still have some contribution to population attributable risk. A consensus statement by the Gout, Hyperuricemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network outlined appropriate terminology regarding gout, which will aid in communication about various aspects of the disease. The 2020 American College of Rheumatology gout guideline offers comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for the management of hyperuricemia using urate-lowering therapy, prophylaxis when initiating urate-lowering therapy, treatment of gout flare and adjunctive management strategies. There is improved understanding of risk factors for allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome and well tolerated use of allopurinol in chronic kidney disease. Trial data have provided new insights regarding cardiovascular risk with febuxostat. Several new drug therapies are being tested for both urate-lowering efficacy and gout flare management. SUMMARY: Although there have been significant advances in understanding of risk factors and treatment approaches, gout remains suboptimally managed. There is substantial need for improving gout management efforts and gout education among patients and clinicians.

Harnessing the power of social media: how can it help in axial spondyloarthritis research?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that is relatively unknown among the general public. Most patients with axSpA are young or middle-aged adults and more likely to use some social media. This review highlights trends in the application of social media and different ways in which these tools do already or may benefit clinical research, delivery of care, and education in rheumatology, particularly in the field of axSpA. RECENT FINDINGS: This article discusses four areas in the biomedical field that social media has infused with novel ideas: (i) the use of patient-generated health data from social media to learn about their disease experience, (ii) delivering health education and interventions, (iii) recruiting study participants, and (iv) reform, transfer, and disseminate medical education. We conclude with promising studies in rheumatology that have incorporated social media and suggestions for future directions. SUMMARY: Rheumatologists now have the opportunity to use social media and innovate on many aspects of their practice. We propose further exploration of multiple ways in which social media might help with the identification, diagnosis, education, and research study enrollment of axSpA patients. However, standardization in study design, reporting, and managing ethical and regulatory aspects will be required to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Complementary medicine for axial spondyloarthritis: is there any scientific evidence?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Majority of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) report use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies before and even after the diagnosis, due to perceived efficacy and wide-spread belief that these modalities lack side effects. In this review, we describe the available scientific evidence for the CAM therapies in axSpA. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical trials of the CAM therapies in axSpA are generally hampered by small sample size, short duration, difficulties in blinding, lack of control groups and strong placebo effect. Nonetheless, exercise programs like Pilates and mind-body techniques such as Tai Chi may have favorable effect on the disease activity and function. Although not yet confirmed, the modulation of the microbiome with the help of probiotics or fecal transplant has face validity given the evolving scientific rationale. Diet has only limited role in the management of axSpA. Deep tissue massage, omega-3 fatty acids and Stanger bath were found to be useful in small studies. CAM therapies are not always entirely well tolerated, particularly the manipulative techniques like chiropractic and Tui-na in patients with advanced disease and osteoporosis. There are no trials of yoga in axSpA despite the wider acceptance and use of yoga as an effective mind-body technique. SUMMARY: Larger and better quality clinical trials of CAM therapies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in the management of axSpA and to include them in the 'mainstream' medicine.

Determinants of mortality in systemic sclerosis: a focused review.

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is an autoimmune rheumatic disorder that is characterized by fibrosis, vascular dysfunction, and autoantibody production that involves most visceral organs. It is characterized by a high morbidity and mortality rate, mainly due to disease-related complications. Epidemiological data describing mortality and survival in this population have been based on both population and observational studies. Multiple clinical and non-clinical factors have been found to predict higher likelihood of death among thepatients. Here, we do an extensive review of the available literature, utilizing the PubMed database, to describe scleroderma and non-scleroderma related determinants of mortality in this population. We found that even though the mortality among the general population has declined, scleroderma continues to carry a very high morbidity and mortality rate, however we have made some slow progress in improving the mortality among scleroderma patients over the last few decades.

Treat to Target in Axial Spondyloarthritis: What Are the Issues?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Treat to Target (T2T) strategy has been widely used in the management of chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, as well as rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The purpose of this review is to discuss the importance, feasibility, and challenges in adopting the T2T strategy for the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). RECENT FINDINGS: In 2014, a panel of international experts published recommendations for T2T in axSpA. Recent Tight Control of Inflammation in Early Psoriatic Arthritis (TICOPA) trial demonstrated efficacy of T2T in the management of the psoriatic arthritis. However, there are several issues in the adoption of T2T in axSpA. They include lack of evidence of the impact of aggressive management on clinical and radiographic outcomes in axSpA and unavailability of a definite target for the treatment, as well as limited therapeutic options. In this review, we discuss the intricacies of the T2T strategy in axSpA. We need more clinical evidence in the form of randomized clinical studies to assess the impact of T2T on outcomes in axSpA. We also need a definite target which is useful in the routine clinical practice, as well as for clinical trials.

Do Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors Improve the Glycemic Control in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Concomitant Diabetes Mellitus?

Inflammation and insulin resistance are closely linked to each other. Inflammatory rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are associated with increased insulin resistance and reduced insulin sensitivity by virtue of proinflammatory cytokines, mainly tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). TNF inhibitors have been shown to improve the insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of incident diabetes in patients with RA. We hypothesize that TNF inhibitors may improve the glycemic control in patients with concomitant RA and diabetes mellitus.

Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy Successfully Treated With Cyclosporine.

Pustular psoriasis of pregnancy is a rare, autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which can be associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Although recovery of the skin lesions after the delivery is the rule, some patients need immunosuppressive treatment mainly with corticosteroids. We describe a patient with pustular psoriasis of pregnancy who needed treatment with cyclosporine for resistant skin psoriasis and systemic inflammatory response.

Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in an Academic Rheumatology Practice.

BACKGROUND: Although patient satisfaction is used as a measure of physician performance and is an essential component of chronic disease management, there is limited understanding about factors affecting satisfaction in rheumatologic settings. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to identify factors affecting satisfaction in outpatients with rheumatic diseases by correlating satisfaction with various factors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of rheumatology patients at Oregon Health & Science University in 2013. Patient satisfaction ratings were obtained, and data were collected from medical records. Descriptive and quantile regression analyses were performed to describe the population and to model predictors of satisfaction. RESULTS: We obtained data from 573 patients, 76% were females, 92% were non-Hispanic white, with a mean age of 50 (SD, 15) years. Female gender (ß = 7.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.16-8.86), older age (ß = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.20), and follow-up visit (ß = 4.04; 95% CI, 0.14-7.93) had a positive impact on satisfaction, whereas polymyalgia rheumatica (ß = -9.25; 95% CI, -15.25 to -3.25), arthralgia (ß = -8.67; 95% CI, -16.60 to -0.74), myalgia (ß = -8.67; 95% CI, -16.60 to -0.74), gout (ß = -7.5; 95% CI, -14.13 to -0.89), ankylosing spondylitis (ß = -5.20; 95% CI, -9.65 to -0.75), pain (ß = -4.62; 95% CI, -8.43 to -0.81), fibromyalgia (ß = -4.62; 95% CI, -7.80 to -1.44), longer visit duration (ß = -0.08; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.03), and afternoon appointments (ß = -4.62; 95% CI, -7.04 to -2.20) had an inverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: Factors contributing to satisfaction scores differed for median satisfaction level and lower satisfaction level. Most of the factors identified as influencing patient satisfaction were unrelated to the physician or the skills of that physician.

Is yearly interferon gamma release assay latent tuberculosis infection screening warranted among patients with rheumatological diseases on disease-modifying drugs in non-endemic settings?

OBJECTIVE: Patients living with rheumatologic diseases on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) are at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). Current guidelines recommend screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) before initiating DMARD. However, data is lacking on the value of yearly screening for LTBI. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on adult patients (≥ 18 years) with rheumatologic disease on DMARD followed longitudinally in the outpatient rheumatology clinics between 2017-2021. Collected data included patient demographics, rheumatologic diagnosis, medications, TB-related risk factors, interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) results, LTBI diagnosis and treatment. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Among 339 patients, 81 (23.9%) were male, 259 (76.4%) were white, and 93 (27.5%) were Latinx. Inflammatory arthritis (84.1%) was the most common rheumatic diagnosis. Common DMARD were JAK inhibitors (19.2%), TNF-alpha inhibitors (18.9%), and IL-17 A inhibitors (18.0%). Only 2 patients at baseline had positive IGRA, and both had a history of treated LTBI. Positive IGRA tests were recorded in 1 (0.7%), 3 (1.8%), 3 (1.3%), and 3 (1.1%) in the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Four patients converted from negative to positive during serial yearly IGRA testing. After reviewing the IGRA test and TB risk factors, only one patient was considered newly diagnosed with LTBI, requiring 4 months of rifampin. CONCLUSION: In a non-endemic area, serial IGRA testing of low-risk patients on DMARD yielded very low rate of newly diagnosed LTBI. A targeted LTBI screening based on TB-related risk factors should be performed prior to IGRA testing rather than universal yearly screening in a non-endemic setting.

Ixekizumab Treatment Patterns and Health Care Resource Utilization Among Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Retrospective United States Claims Database Study.

INTRODUCTION: Real-world data on ixekizumab utilization in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are limited. We evaluated ixekizumab treatment patterns and health care resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with axSpA using United States Merative L.P. MarketScan® Claims Databases. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included adults with axSpA who initiated ixekizumab during the index period (September 2019-December 2021). Index date was the date of the first ixekizumab claim. All patients had continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment during the 12-month pre-index and follow-up periods. Descriptive statistics were used to assess patient demographics (index date); clinical characteristics (pre-index period); treatment patterns (12-month follow-up period); and HCRU (pre-index and 12-month follow-up periods). RESULTS: The study included 177 patients (mean age 45.8 years; females 54.8%) with axSpA who initiated ixekizumab. Overall, 79.1% of patients reported prior biologic use; of these, 70.7% received tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFi) and 49% received secukinumab. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 1.1 (1.3) and ~ 27% of patients reported ≥2 comorbidities. The median (inter-quartile range [IQR]) number of ixekizumab prescription refills was 7 (4-11). The mean (SD) Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) for ixekizumab was 0.6 (0.3) and adherence (PDC ≥80%) was 34.5% (N = 61). Overall, 26.6% (N = 47) of patients switched to a non-index medication and 54.2% (N = 96) of patients discontinued ixekizumab. Among the patients who discontinued ixekizumab (N = 96), 19.8% (N = 19) restarted ixekizumab and 49.0% (N = 47) switched to a non-index medication. The median (IQR) ixekizumab persistence was 268 (120-366) days. Mean axSpA-related outpatient, inpatient, and emergency room visits were similar between the pre-index and follow-up periods. Treatment patterns were largely similar between biologic-experienced patients (N = 140; 79.1%) and the overall population. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high comorbidity burden and majority of the patients being biologic-experienced, patients initiating ixekizumab for axSpA showed favorable persistence profiles during the 12-month follow-up period.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) affects the patients' ability to perform daily activities and can have a major impact on their quality of life. Ixekizumab is approved in the United States for the treatment of axSpA. However, real-world data on utilization of ixekizumab are limited. We used administrative claims databases to evaluate real-world treatment patterns and health care resource utilization in adult patients with axSpA who were receiving ixekizumab in the United States. The study showed that more than a quarter of the patients receiving ixekizumab had at least two comorbidities. A majority of the patients (79%) reported that they had received at least one biologic before initiating ixekizumab. Even with the high comorbidity burden and the previous exposure to biologics, patients showed favorable persistence to ixekizumab. Of the patients who discontinued ixekizumab, subsequently, 20% re-initiated ixekizumab and approximately half of the patients switched to an alternative medication. There was no increase in axSpA-related health care resource utilization following ixekizumab treatment. The study findings suggest that ixekizumab is an effective treatment option for patients with axSpA.

Implementation of a Best Practice Advisory to Improve Infection Screening Prior to New Prescriptions of Biologics and Targeted Synthetic Drugs.

OBJECTIVE: Use of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in patients with preexisting tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can have serious consequences. Although various society guidelines recommend routine screening for these infections before initiating certain b/tsDMARDs, adherence to these recommendations varies widely. This quality improvement initiative evaluated local compliance with screening and assessed whether an automated computerized decision support system in the form of a best practice advisory (BPA) in the electronic health record could improve patient screening. METHODS: Established patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) aged 18 years or older with at least one visit to our rheumatology practice between October 1, 2017, and March 3, 2022, were included. When prescribing a new b/tsDMARD, clinicians were alerted via a BPA that showed the most recent results for TB, HBV, and HCV. Screening proportions for TB, HBV, and HCV before BPA initiation were compared with those of eligible patients after the BPA implementation. RESULTS: A total of 711 patients pre-BPA and 257 patients post-BPA implementation were included in the study. The BPA implementation was associated with statistically significant improvement in screening for TB from 66% to 82% (P ≤ 0.001), HCV from 60% to 79% (P ≤ 0.001), hepatitis B core antibody 32% to 51% (P ≤ 0.001), and hepatitis B surface antigen from 51% to 70% (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a BPA can improve infectious disease screening for patients with ARD who are started on b/tsDMARDs and has potential to improve patient safety.

Treatment of axial spondyloarthritis: an update.

Diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has vastly improved over the past two decades. With advances in the discernment of immunopathogenesis of this disease, new therapies have become available, which are associated with substantial improvement in symptoms, signs and quality of life. The four broad categories of approved treatment options are physical therapy and exercise (which have been known to be beneficial for millennia), NSAIDs (since the 1950s), TNF inhibitors (first FDA approval in 2003) and IL-17 inhibitors (first FDA approval in 2016). In addition, there have been a host of new developments in the axSpA field, including new treatment guidelines, the FDA approval of three biologic DMARDs to treat non-radiographic axSpA, the FDA and EMA approval of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis, new data on the effect of biologic DMARDs on structural progression in ankylosing spondylitis, strategy trials on tapering or stopping TNF inhibitors in patients in remission, trials of treat-to-target strategy in axSpA, and several new molecules in phase III studies. This Review explores the developments in the management of axSpA.

Concurrent use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor in ankylosing spondylitis and myeloid neoplasm.

Biologic disease-modifying agents (bDMARDs) are highly effective in controlling the symptoms of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The decision on whether to continue bDMARDs following a cancer diagnosis can be challenging for patients and physicians. Here, we describe a case of a middle-aged male with ankylosing spondylitis who was controlled on infliximab (IFX) and found to have a myeloid neoplasm with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta rearrangement. The patient was started on a tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib. Given its significant positive effect on patient's quality of life, IFX was continued with a favorable outcome. This case highlights the importance of shared decisionmaking in balancing risks and benefits of immunosuppressants in appropriate cases of hematologic malignancy.

Role of diet in hyperuricemia and gout.

BACKGROUND: Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting 41 million adults worldwide. The global burden of gout has been increasing over the last three decades, yet its management remains suboptimal. The primary aim of this manuscript is to review the impact of various diets such as the DASH, Mediterranean, and low purine diets; weight loss; and individual foods, including alcohol, caffeine, cherry, dairy, high-fructose corn syrup, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C on hyperuricemia and clinical gout outcomes such as flares and tophi. CONCLUSION: Few studies to date have specifically evaluated the effect of various dietary approaches on hyperuricemia among people with gout and on gout-specific outcomes. Overall, the dietary factors appear to have a small effect on serum urate levels, and their impact on the long-term clinical course of gout is uncertain. Limited evidence suggests that avoidance of certain foods and beverages may decrease the frequency of gout flares. Weight loss may be beneficial for prevention as well as treatment of gout. Urate-lowering therapy remains the mainstay of therapy, with diet and dietary factors studied to date playing a limited role in the definitive management of gout.

The effect of intravenous golimumab on health-related quality of life and work productivity in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis: results of the phase 3 GO-ALIVE trial.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The effect of intravenous (IV) golimumab on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and productivity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was evaluated. METHOD: Patients were randomized to IV golimumab 2 mg/kg (n = 105) at weeks 0, 4, then every 8 weeks (q8w) through week 52 or placebo (n = 103) at weeks 0, 4, 12, with crossover to golimumab 2 mg/kg at weeks 16, 20, then q8w through week 52. Changes from baseline in EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level (EQ-5D-5L) index and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), daily productivity VAS, Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) were assessed. Correlations between these outcomes and disease activity and patient functioning outcomes were evaluated post hoc. RESULTS: At week 16, changes from baseline (mean ± standard deviation) in EQ-5D-5L index (0.17 ± 0.16 vs 0.05 ± 0.14), EQ-VAS (20.3 ± 24.6 vs 4.8 ± 23.5), daily productivity VAS (- 2.9 ± - 2.9 vs - 1.1 ± - 2.5), WLQ productivity loss score (- 3.5 ± - 5.3 vs - 1.9 ± - 4.0), and ASQoL (- 5.4 ± - 5.0 vs - 1.8 ± - 4.5) were greater in the IV golimumab versus placebo group, respectively. At week 28, changes from baseline were similar between the IV golimumab and placebo-crossover groups (EQ-5D-5L index: 0.18 ± 0.17 and 0.16 ± 0.16, EQ-VAS: 20.5 ± 27.9 and 22.5 ± 23.1, daily productivity VAS: - 3.1 ± - 3.0 and - 3.1 ± - 2.8, WLQ productivity loss: - 3.9 ± - 5.5 and - 4.5 ± - 4.5, and ASQoL: - 5.3 ± - 5.2 and - 5.3 ± - 4.8, respectively); improvements were maintained through week 52. HRQoL and productivity outcomes were generally moderately correlated with disease activity and functioning outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AS, IV golimumab produced sustained improvements in HRQoL and productivity through 1 year, which correlated with improvements in disease activity and functioning. ClinicalTrials.gov registry number is NCT02186873. Key Points • Intravenous (IV) golimumab resulted in clinically important improvement in general and ankylosing spondylitis-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and productivity outcomes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as early as week 8 and maintained improvement through 1 year • Improvements in HRQoL and productivity outcomes in these patients with AS were correlated with improvements in measures of disease activity and patient functional capability • IV golimumab is an effective treatment option for AS that can help mitigate the negative effects of the disease on HRQoL and productivity.