RESUMO
We aimed to evaluate the impact of biologic treatment on subclinical atherosclerosis and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Forty-nine biologic naïve RA patients, treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), who were eligible for treatment with a biologic agent, were included in the study. The serum levels of lipid parameters, as well as disease activity parameters were determined in RA patients before and after 3 and 6 months of therapy. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured before and after treatment. A comparison analysis of change of these parameters was also performed between anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and non-anti-TNF users. Furthermore, 31 non-smoking healthy volunteers, matched for age and gender, were used as a control group. At baseline, RA patients had a decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared with controls (209 ± 63 vs 233 ± 44 and 58 ± 15 vs 61 ± 14, p < 0.004), while cIMT was higher versus controls [0.9 (0.8-1) vs 0.6 (0.5-0.7), p < 0.001]. TC, HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1 levels were significantly increased 3 months after treatment (209 ± 63, 58 ± 15, 162 ± 32, vs 227 ± 45, 60 ± 15, 169 ± 29, respectively, p < 0.03) and this observation remained stable at a 6-month follow-up. After 6 months, there was also a statistically significant decrease in the cIMT [0.9 (0.8-1) vs 0.7 (0.6-0.8), p < 0.001]. Anti-TNF and non-anti-TNF users had comparable changes in cardiovascular risk parameters. The atherogenic lipid profile and subclinical atherosclerosis are features of RA, which appeared improved after biologic therapy initiation.
Assuntos
Antirreumáticos , Artrite Reumatoide , Aterosclerose , Produtos Biológicos , Doenças Cardiovasculares , Humanos , Antirreumáticos/uso terapêutico , Apolipoproteína A-I/uso terapêutico , Artrite Reumatoide/complicações , Artrite Reumatoide/diagnóstico , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Aterosclerose/diagnóstico , Aterosclerose/tratamento farmacológico , Aterosclerose/etiologia , Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Doenças Cardiovasculares/etiologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/prevenção & controle , Espessura Intima-Media Carotídea , Colesterol , Fatores de Risco de Doenças Cardíacas , Lipoproteínas HDL , Fatores de Risco , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfaRESUMO
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common non-scaring hair loss associated with many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) therapy is used to treat many chronic inflammatory disorders and has been proven to be effective and relatively safe. However, several immune-mediated skin reactions have been described with the use of TNFα inhibitors, among them AA. In this report, we describe two patients, a 32-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis and a 48-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis who were both treated with SB4 (Benepali®), an etanercept biosimilar, and developed AA, 6 and 12 months respectively after the initiation of TNFα blocker biosimilar. These, are the first two cases of AA development during TNFα inhibitors biosimilar. Thus, physicians when dealing with patients treated with these agents, should be aware of possible immune skin reactions, among them AA. To this end, a close follow-up and monitoring is mandatory.
Assuntos
Alopecia em Áreas , Medicamentos Biossimilares , Adulto , Alopecia em Áreas/induzido quimicamente , Alopecia em Áreas/tratamento farmacológico , Medicamentos Biossimilares/efeitos adversos , Etanercepte/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Humanos , Fatores Imunológicos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfaRESUMO
Fibroblastic rheumatism (FR) is an uncommon disease of the skin, characterized by the presence of non-tender cutaneous nodules accompanied often by other rheumatic manifestations. This condition shows male predominance, no age preference and unpredictable course, resulting frequently in permanent joint damage. A 60-year-old man came to our department with a 4-year history of multiple non-tender nodules and morning stiffness affecting mainly the upper extremities. Clinical examination revealed arthritis of the hands, confirmed by imaging tests. Laboratory exams were unremarkable. A skin nodule biopsy showed a dermal collagenous lesion with myxoid areas composed of spindle and stellate cells. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated positivity for CD68 and negativity for CD34, S100, EMA and desmine. FR was diagnosed and the patient started methylprednisolone 16 mg/day. Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day and methotrexate 15 mg/weekly were further added as steroid-sparing agents with clinical benefit. Clinicians should be aware of this underreported entity, which can rapidly lead to irreversible deformities.
Assuntos
Artrite , Doenças Reumáticas , Artrite/complicações , Feminino , Fibroblastos/patologia , Fibrose , Humanos , Masculino , Metotrexato/uso terapêutico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças Reumáticas/complicações , Doenças Reumáticas/diagnóstico , Doenças Reumáticas/tratamento farmacológico , Pele/patologiaRESUMO
Ocular complications occur in up to one-third of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among them, orbital myositis (OM) is considered a rare manifestation that affects the extraocular muscles and causes pain and restriction with eye movement. We report a case of OM in a 48-year-old female with SLE and secondary Sjogren's Syndrome, who presented headache, periorbital edema, and painful ocular movements in both eyes, with no other systemic manifestations. An orbital magnetic resonance image revealed thickening of the right medial rectus and left lateral rectus muscles. Laboratory tests were normal and there was no further disease activity. The patient was treated with prednisone 1 mg/Kg/day with a resolution of symptoms. We found 13 additional cases of OM from our literature review (11 SLE patients and 2 with discoid lupus erythematosus). There was a female predominance in these cases with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD ± 16.9). Their main clinical features included eye pain, swelling, proptosis, diplopia, and limitations in extraocular muscles, while in most of them, there was no other active systemic manifestation. Treatment with steroids led to the complete resolution of symptoms in most of these patients. The available evidence suggests that it is essential to have a high index of suspicion for OM in SLE patients even when there is no systemic disease activity so that proper treatment is initiated early.
Assuntos
Lúpus Eritematoso Discoide , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico , Miosite , Miosite Orbital , Síndrome de Sjogren , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Lúpus Eritematoso Discoide/complicações , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/complicações , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/diagnóstico , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/tratamento farmacológico , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Miosite/diagnóstico por imagem , Miosite/tratamento farmacológico , Miosite/etiologia , Miosite Orbital/diagnóstico por imagem , Miosite Orbital/tratamento farmacológico , Miosite Orbital/etiologia , Prednisona , Síndrome de Sjogren/complicaçõesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Real-world data in patients with moderate psoriasis treated with apremilast is limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis in real-world clinical settings. METHODS: This was a 52-week multicenter, observational, prospective study of adult outpatients with moderate psoriasis {[10% < body surface area < 20% or 10 < psoriasis area severity index (PASI) < 20] and 10 < dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) < 20} initiated on apremilast ≤7 days before enrollment. Missing data were imputed using the last observation carried forward method. RESULTS: A total of 287 eligible patients (median age: 54.2 years; median psoriasis duration: 9.8 years) were consecutively enrolled. At baseline, the median DLQI and PASI scores were 12.0 and 11.8, respectively. The 52-week DLQI ≤ 5 and PASI75 response rates were 68.3% and 61.0%. At 52 weeks, 70.8% and 72.7% of the patients shifted from moderate/severe/very severe to clear/minimal scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis involvement, respectively; the pruritus severity state improved in 67.2%. The 52-week Kaplan-Meier estimated drug continuation rate was 85.3%. The adverse drug reaction rate was 19.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Apremilast is a safe and effective treatment for bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis and specific psoriasis manifestations.
Assuntos
Psoríase , Qualidade de Vida , Adulto , Grécia , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Psoríase/tratamento farmacológico , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Talidomida/análogos & derivados , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Hair dye (HD) and its component para-phenylenediamine (PPD) are commonly used to enhance beauty and youth. HD is associated with allergic contact reactions and the development of autoimmune phenomena. A 28-year-old woman presented to us complaining of pain and swelling affecting the small joints of the hands bilaterally lasting for 7 weeks. Laboratory evaluation was remarkable only for an increase of acute-phase reactants, while the rest of laboratory tests including serological tests for viruses, as well as immunological tests were negative or within normal limits. She noticed a close correlation between the onset of symmetrical polyarthritis and the use of HD product. Thus, after excluding other possibilities of inflammatory arthritides, the diagnosis of HD-induced arthritis was made. The patient was treated with naproxen, and after 3 weeks, she had a complete clinical response with decrease of acute-phase reactants. Thus, we review and discuss the relevant literature of cases related with the use of HD and arthritis development. This is the first described case of HD-induced arthritis. Physicians must be aware and recognize these symptoms and signs of patients exposed to HD and treat them appropriately.
Assuntos
Artrite Reumatoide/induzido quimicamente , Corantes/efeitos adversos , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/etiologia , Tinturas para Cabelo/efeitos adversos , Fenilenodiaminas/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/uso terapêutico , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade/tratamento farmacológico , Naproxeno/uso terapêutico , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of apremilast on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and nail, scalp and palmoplantar involvement, when administered prior to biologics. METHODS: This 52-week real-world study included biologic-naive adults with moderate psoriasis (psoriasis-involved body surface area 10% to <20%, or PASI 10 to <20 and DLQI 10 to <20). Apremilast was initiated ≤7 days before enrolment. Data from the first 100 eligible patients who completed 24 weeks (W24) of observation (or were prematurely withdrawn) are presented in this interim analysis using the last-observation-carried-forward imputation method. RESULTS: Eligible patients (mean age: 49.9 years; 71.0% males; median disease duration: 8.0 years) were consecutively enrolled between April and October 2017, by 18 dermatology specialists practising in hospital outpatient settings in Greece. Baseline DLQI (median: 12.0) and PASI (median: 11.7) scores improved (P < 0.001) at all postbaseline timepoints (Weeks 6, 16 and 24; W24 median decreases: 9.0 and 9.4 points respectively). At W24, DLQI ≤5, DLQI 0 or 1, and PASI-75 response rates were 63.0%, 25.0% and 48.0% respectively. The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index score in patients with baseline nail involvement (n = 57) decreased at all postbaseline timepoints (P < 0.001; W24 median decrease: 20.0 points). At W24, 50.0% and 51.7% of patients with baseline scalp (n = 76) and palmoplantar (n = 29) involvement respectively achieved postbaseline Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 or 1 if baseline score was ≥3, or 0 if baseline score was 1 or 2. The adverse drug reaction rate was 21.0% (serious: 2.0%). CONCLUSIONS: These interim results indicate that through 24 weeks, apremilast improved quality of life and reduced disease severity in biologic-naive patients with moderate plaque psoriasis, while demonstrating safety consistent with the known safety profile.
Assuntos
Produtos Biológicos , Psoríase , Adulto , Feminino , Grécia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Psoríase/tratamento farmacológico , Qualidade de Vida , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Talidomida/análogos & derivados , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Analyses of the medical and economic burden of chronic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are valuable for clinical and health policy decisions. We performed a chart-based review of 215 adult SLE patients with active autoantibody-positive disease at the predefined ratio of 30% severe (involvement of major organs requiring treatment) and 70% non-severe, followed at seven hospital centres in Greece. We reviewed 318 patients consecutively registered over three months (sub-study). Disease activity, organ damage, flares and healthcare resource utilization were recorded. Costs were assessed from the third-party payer perspective. Severe SLE patients had chronic active disease more frequently (22.4% vs 4.7%), higher average SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (10.5 vs 6.1) and systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) damage index (1.1 vs 0.6) than non-severe patients. The mean annual direct medical cost was 3741 for severe vs 1225 for non-severe patients. Severe flares, active renal disease and organ damage were independent cost predictors. In the sub-study, 19% of unselected patients were classified as severe SLE, and 30% of them had chronic active disease. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate the significant clinical and financial burden of Greek SLE patients with active major organ disease. Among them, 30% display chronic activity, in spite of standard care, which represents a significant unmet medical need.
Assuntos
Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/tratamento farmacológico , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/economia , Adulto , Autoanticorpos/imunologia , Feminino , Grécia , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde , Humanos , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
This is a review of the pharmacology of certolizumab pegol and its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Certolizumab is a new anti-TNF-α biologic agent injected subcutaneously with an innovative molecular structure and unique pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. Data from controlled clinical trials indicate that the drug is effective in reducing disease activity and disability. It also inhibits radiographic progression. Certolizumab administration has an acceptable safety profile. The clinical data available suggest that the nature of adverse events is generally comparable to that of other TNF-α blockers. Given its rapid onset of action certolizumab presents an attractive alternative therapeutic option for patients with moderate to severe RA refractory to DMARDs.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/administração & dosagem , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Fragmentos Fab das Imunoglobulinas/administração & dosagem , Imunossupressores/administração & dosagem , Polietilenoglicóis/administração & dosagem , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/efeitos adversos , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/imunologia , Artrite Reumatoide/imunologia , Certolizumab Pegol , Humanos , Fragmentos Fab das Imunoglobulinas/efeitos adversos , Fragmentos Fab das Imunoglobulinas/imunologia , Imunossupressores/efeitos adversos , Imunossupressores/imunologia , Polietilenoglicóis/efeitos adversosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation among atherosclerosis, antibodies against oxidized LDL (anti-oxLDL), and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with biological (b) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who were receiving conventional synthetic DMARDs and were eligible for treatment with a biological agent were included in the study. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and IgG antibodies against oxidized LDL (anti-oxLDL) as well as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were determined before and after 6 months of treatment. Thirty-one healthy individuals were used as a control group. RESULTS: At baseline, RA patients had lower TC and HDL-C levels and increased cIMT compared to controls. After a 6-month follow-up, the re-evaluation of carotids revealed a statistically important decrease of cIMT values. This observation was accompanied by a statistically important elevation of HDL-C levels and a reduction of the titer of anti-oxLDL antibodies regardless of the bDMARD that was administered. No statistically significant association was found between the cIMT and anti-oxLDL, HDL-C, CRP, or DAS28 score neither before nor 6 months after treatment using linear regression analyses adjusted for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that atherogenic lipid profile and ongoing atherosclerosis which characterize RA patients appear to improve after biological therapy, and we also suggest a possible atherogenic effect of IgG anti-ox LDL antibodies.
Assuntos
Antirreumáticos , Artrite Reumatoide , Aterosclerose , Humanos , Espessura Intima-Media Carotídea , Estudos Prospectivos , Artrite Reumatoide/complicações , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Aterosclerose/complicações , LDL-Colesterol , HDL-Colesterol , Antirreumáticos/uso terapêutico , Imunoglobulina G/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: ETS1 belongs to the ETS family of transcription factors that regulate the expression of various immune-related genes. The aim of this study was to identify whether the ETS1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11221332, described in Caucasian subjects, plays a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility. METHODS: We genotyped this polymorphism in 136 unrelated patients with RA and 147 healthy individuals with no history of autoimmune disease. Genotyping was performed with a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay and the data were analysed using SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of the rs11221332 genotypes between RA patients and controls (p = 0.041). Comparing the distribution of rs11221332 alleles between the groups studied, a greater difference was found [odds ratio (OR) 1.504, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.036-2.183; p = 0.039]. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed, for first time, the positive association of a polymorphism in the sequence of the ETS1 transcription factor with RA susceptibility. Further studies in other ethnic groups of patients are needed to confirm the results of the present genetic association study related to ETS1, a widely used transcription factor in the regulation of the expression of various genes.
Assuntos
Artrite Reumatoide/genética , Predisposição Genética para Doença/genética , Proteína Proto-Oncogênica c-ets-1/genética , Idoso , Artrite Reumatoide/epidemiologia , Feminino , Predisposição Genética para Doença/epidemiologia , Genótipo , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Polimorfismo de Fragmento de Restrição , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética , População Branca/genética , População Branca/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was the assessment of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution in patients with early RA (ERA, n = 30) compared with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (n = 30), as well the effect of treatment for 12 months with the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) methotrexate and prednisone in this distribution. METHOD: LDL and HDL subclass distribution was determined using a polyacrylamide gel-tube electrophoresis method. RESULTS: ERA patients exhibited increased levels of inflammatory markers and high disease activity score. ERA patients had higher serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) whereas their serum HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower compared with controls. ERA patients exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), leading to a significantly decreased mean LDL diameter. ERA patients had significantly decreased small HDL particles (HDL-3) concentration whereas serum levels of large HDL particles (HDL-2) did not differ compared with controls. Treatment with DMARDs resulted in a significant decrease in inflammatory markers and disease activity, along with a significant increase in HDL-C serum levels. The concentration of sdLDL-C did not change significantly during treatment. We observed a significant increase in the levels of large HDL-2 whereas the concentration of small HDL-3 did not significantly change. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ERA have increased sdLDL-C levels and decreased HDL-C levels because of decreased concentration of the small HDL-3 subclass. The administration of DMARDs induced a significant increase in HDL-C levels, which was attributed to the increase in large HDL-2 serum concentration.
Assuntos
Antirreumáticos/uso terapêutico , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , HDL-Colesterol/sangue , LDL-Colesterol/sangue , Metotrexato/uso terapêutico , Idoso , Antirreumáticos/farmacologia , Artrite Reumatoide/sangue , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Glucocorticoides/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Masculino , Metotrexato/farmacologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Projetos Piloto , Prednisona/farmacologia , Prednisona/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hand involvement before and 1 year after treatment in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHOD: MRI of the dominant hand was performed in 22 patients fulfilling the new criteria for early RA. The patients were divided into three groups. Nine had very early RA (VERA; disease duration < 3 months), seven had early RA (ERA; disease duration < 6 months), and six had established RA (ESTRA; disease duration > 12 months). The MRI protocol consisted of fat-suppressed T2, and plain and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Assessment of bone marrow oedema, synovitis, and bone erosions was performed by the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system. Patients were treated with methotrexate (MTX) 0.2 mg/kg/body weight/week and prednisone 7.5 mg/day. Clinical assessment was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score for 28 joint indices (DAS28). RESULTS: After treatment, a significant decrease was observed: (a) in DAS28 of VERA (6.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2), ERA (5.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 1.0), and ESTRA patients (5.7 ± 8.0 vs. 2.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.05); (b) in bone oedema (16.77 ± 13.78 vs. 5.88 ± 6.31) and synovitis (12.44 ± 6.44 vs. 2.88 ± 3.25) of VERA patients; and (c) in synovitis (7.57 ± 6.32 vs. 1.42 ± 1.81) of ERA patients (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in erosions in any group. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow oedema and synovitis decrease significantly when RA is diagnosed and treated early. MRI is useful in the early detection of these changes. MTX treatment resulted in a significant decrease in DAS28 score and significant improvement in bone oedema and synovitis.
Assuntos
Antirreumáticos/uso terapêutico , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças Ósseas/tratamento farmacológico , Edema/tratamento farmacológico , Metotrexato/uso terapêutico , Sinovite/tratamento farmacológico , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Artrite Reumatoide/patologia , Doenças Ósseas/patologia , Progressão da Doença , Diagnóstico Precoce , Edema/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Articulação Metacarpofalângica/patologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Sinovite/patologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Articulação do Punho/patologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy, safety and survival of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α antagonists in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one RA patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors during the time period 2000 to 2009 were studied. Kaplan-Meier statistic analysis was applied, in which discontinuation from anti-TNF-α therapy was used as the terminal event. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients received infliximab, 49 adalimumab and 20 etanercept: they were followed up over 7, 5 and 4 years, respectively. Anti-TNF-α therapy resulted in a rapid clinical improvement associated with a reduction in inflammatory markers in the first year of the treatment, which was sustained throughout the following years. Ninety (59.6%) patients were withdrawn during the observational period overall. The patients who discontinued infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept therapy were 55/82 (67.1%), 27/49 (55.1%) and 8/20 (40%) respectively. The main reasons for discontinuation were drug adverse events and inefficacy. According to Kaplan-Meier methods, the 'survival rate' of infliximab after the first year of treatment reached 82.9%, while after 7 years the proportion was 32.9%. With regard to adalimumab, after the first year of treatment its 'survival rate' was 83.7% and after 5 years it reached 44.9%. As far as etanercept is concerned, after the first year of treatment, the 'survival rate' reached 70% and after 4 years it remained 60%. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-α antagonists constitute an effective therapeutic option for patients with RA refractory to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. They demonstrate an acceptable safety profile. Their survival rate is high in the first years of treatment, while after the fifth year it decreases considerably.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/uso terapêutico , Anticorpos Monoclonais/uso terapêutico , Antirreumáticos/uso terapêutico , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Imunoglobulina G/uso terapêutico , Receptores do Fator de Necrose Tumoral/uso terapêutico , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/antagonistas & inibidores , Adalimumab , Adulto , Idoso , Anticorpos Monoclonais/efeitos adversos , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/efeitos adversos , Antirreumáticos/efeitos adversos , Etanercepte , Feminino , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/efeitos adversos , Infliximab , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
This study aimed to assess the association of coping with health-stressors and defence styles with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In 56 SLE patients we assessed disease activity (SLEDAI), functional limitations (HAQ), psychological distress (SCL-90-R), defence styles (Defence Style Questionnaire), hostility (HDHQ), coping with health-stressors (Sense of Coherence scale) and HRQOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Two hundred and eight rheumatologic patients (168 with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and 40 with primary Sjögren's syndrome [SS]) served as disease controls. SLE patients' HRQOL was similar to that of patients with RA and primary SS after adjusting for demographic and disease variables. Psychological distress was significantly associated with most aspects of HRQOL, but sense of coherence mediated the relationship of psychological distress with Physical HRQOL; this mediation effect was unique to SLE, as mediation analyses showed. Maladaptive action defence style was also significantly associated with Environment HRQOL independently of psychological distress (p < 0.024). These findings indicate that, apart from the early assessment and treatment of psychological distress, clinicians and consultation-liaison psychiatrists should bear in mind the SLE patients' psychological resources and coping capacities to deal with the stress of the disease, since such traits, although usually underestimated, are strongly independently associated with HRQOL.
Assuntos
Adaptação Psicológica , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/fisiopatologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/psicologia , Qualidade de Vida , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Grécia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Thyroid dysfunction in the setting of systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been described previously. We aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies (ATA) in a large SSc cohort and to ascertain whether they are associated with distinct clinical phenotypes. METHODS: A total of 138 patients with SSc [46 with diffuse (dSSc) and 92 with limited scleroderma (lSSc)] and 100 healthy controls (HC) were tested for the presence of ATA [anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies] using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical and serological data were recorded. RESULTS: An increased prevalence of anti-TPO but not anti-Tg antibodies was detected in patients with SSc compared to HC (27.5% vs. 14%, p = 0.016). Of note, a statistically significant increase of anti-TPO was detected only in patients with lSSc compared to HC (32.6% vs. 14%, p = 0.003). No correlations with other clinical features were detected. CONCLUSIONS: An increased prevalence of anti-TPO antibodies was identified in patients with lSSc. We propose that ATA testing should be offered to this subgroup of patients.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Idiotípicos/sangue , Esclerodermia Difusa/imunologia , Esclerodermia Limitada/imunologia , Glândula Tireoide/imunologia , Adulto , Idoso , Autoanticorpos/sangue , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Humanos , Iodeto Peroxidase/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fenótipo , Esclerodermia Difusa/sangue , Esclerodermia Limitada/sangueRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the defensive profile of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients and to investigate the independent associations of psychological distress and personality variables with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: In 40 primary SS patients we assessed psychological distress (SCL-90-R), ego defense mechanisms (Defense Style Questionnaire), hostility features (HDHQ) and HRQOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Fifty-six patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosous (SLE) and 80 healthy participants matched for age and sex served as controls. RESULTS: Primary SS patients presented higher rates of general psychological distress compared to SLE and healthy participants. Symptoms of somatisation were more prominent in SS than SLE or healthy controls. SS patients presented less use of humour defense and more help-rejecting complains and delusional guilt hostility, compared to controls. Primary SS patients' HRQOL was more impaired than healthy participants and comparable to SLE. Psychological distress was a constant independent correlate of SS patients' HRQOL, while less use of humour (p<0.001) and higher rates of delusional guilt (p=0.032) were also significantly associated with Physical HRQOL independently of psychological distress; more use of schizoid fantasy was also independently associated with impaired Environment HRQOL (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Primary SS patients exhibit several specific psychological difficulties in adaptation to life stressors, and clinicians and consultation-liaison psychiatrists, apart from the early assessment and treatment of psychological distress and somatisation symptoms, should consider the patients' underlying defensive profile and coping capacities, since such personality traits, although usually underestimated, are also independently associated with the disease outcome.
Assuntos
Nível de Saúde , Qualidade de Vida , Síndrome de Sjogren/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Hostilidade , Humanos , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/psicologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Perfil de Impacto da Doença , Estresse Psicológico/psicologiaRESUMO
In the last two decades we have witnessed a boost in scientific interest and knowledge of adipose tissue biology to such an extent that it was promoted to an active endocrine organ. Adipose tissue is not just related to body weight and appetite regulation. It is also implicated in obesity, a low-grade inflammatory state, as well as inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease where anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokine balance is critical. All major adipose derived products, simply termed adipokines, like leptin, adiponectin, visfatin and resistin, reportedly participate in inflammation and immunity. In this review we explore in depth the relationship between adipose tissue and RA, with focus on possible mechanisms, beyond observations about circulating or synovial levels, and special reference to future perspectives and clinical implications.
Assuntos
Adipocinas/metabolismo , Tecido Adiposo/imunologia , Artrite Reumatoide/imunologia , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Obesidade/imunologia , Animais , Autoimunidade , Humanos , Obesidade/complicações , Medição de Risco , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
MicroRNAs have shown different expression patterns in immune diseases. The present study explores the association of miRNA-146a variant rs2910164 and of two IRAK1 (target of miR-146a) polymorphisms rs3027898 and rs1059703 with psoriasic arthritis (PsA). Twenty-nine PsA and 66 controls were enrolled in the study. To study if the statistical significant differences between patients with PsA and controls are independent to psoriasis, we expanded the study in 49 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Strong statistical significant difference was observed in IRAK1 rs3027898 polymorphism distribution between patients with PsA and controls (P = 0.003), as between patients with AS and controls (P < 0.001). Marginally significant difference was observed in distribution of IRAK1 rs1059703 genotypes between patients with PsA and controls (P = 0.058), but no difference was observed in miRNA-146a rs2910164 distribution (P = 0.394). This is the first study that addresses IRAK1 rs3027898 polymorphism association with PsA susceptibility, but further studies could help to understand the extent of the proposed association.