Omega 3 Fatty Acids Intake Does Not Decrease the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Occurrence: A Meta-Analysis. Comment on Tanski et al. The Relationship between Fatty Acids and the Development, Course and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1030.

In an article published in Nutrients, Tanski et al. performed a systematic review and concluded that omega-3 fatty acids might contribute to a reduced incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [...].

Impact of type and dose of oral polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on disease activity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has been reported to improve disease activity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). However, data are often conflicting and studies insufficiently large to draw conclusions. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to better estimate the effect of oral supplementation with omega (n)-3 and n-6 PUFA on IRD activity in terms of duration, dose, type, and source. METHODS: The literature was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to October 2020. Studies were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The effect of PUFA supplementation on disease activity was expressed as the standardized mean difference (95% CI). Metaregression and subgroup analyses involved type of IRD, Jadad score, PUFA source (animal or vegetable), and doses. RESULTS: We obtained 42 references; 30 randomized controlled studies were included comparing the effects of PUFA versus control on disease activity (710 IRD patients receiving PUFA supplementation and 710 controls, most with rheumatoid arthritis). We found a significant improvement in pain, swollen and tender joint count, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, and Health Assessment Questionnaire score in IRD patients receiving PUFA supplementation as compared with controls, with a significant decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate but not C-reactive protein level. Although meta-regression revealed no difference by IRD type or source or dose of PUFA supplementation, subgroup analysis revealed more parameters significantly improved with animal- than vegetable-derived PUFAs and 3- to 6-month supplementation. Most studies examined high-dose supplementation (>2 g/day). CONCLUSION: PUFA consumption, especially omega-3 from animal source >2 g/day, may improve IRD activity and might be an adjuvant therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered at PROSPERO ( CRD42021253685 ).

Dietary recommendations of the French Society for Rheumatology for patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

This article presents the 1st set of dietary recommendations of the French Society for Rheumatology for patients suffering from chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) made by a working group consisting of 12 rheumatology experts, 3 physician nutrition specialists, 1 internal medicine specialist, 1 registered dietician and 3 representatives from patient associations. This group relied on a systematic literature review and on expert opinions, while taking into consideration not only the joint effects of diet in IRD but also the extra-articular ones. Eight general principles and nine recommendations were established. The general principles emphasize that nutritional advice is not a substitute for pharmacological treatment of IRD and that it is an integral part of the patients' overall care, which could help the patient actively participate in their care. The recommendations propose supporting weight loss in subjects who are overweight or obese, a Mediterranean-type diet and supplementation in polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-3. Conversely, gluten-free diets (in the absence of celiac disease), vegetarian/vegan diets, fasting and elimination of dairy products should not be proposed. Supplementation with vitamins or trace elements is not indicated for controlling chronic IRD activity, while the use of probiotics or spices is not recommended given the limited or disparate data.

2021 EULAR recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

BACKGROUND: An important but often insufficient aspect of care in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is empowering patients to acquire a good understanding of their disease and building their ability to deal effectively with the practical, physical and psychological impacts of it. Self-management skills can be helpful in this regard. OBJECTIVES: To develop recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in IA. METHODS: A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review and other supportive information (survey of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patient organisations) were used to formulate the recommendations. RESULTS: Three overarching principles and nine recommendations were formulated. These focused on empowering patients to become active partners of the team and to take a more proactive role. The importance of patient education and key self-management interventions such as problem solving, goal setting and cognitive behavioural therapy were highlighted. Role of patient organisations and HCPs in promoting and signposting patients to available resources has been highlighted through the promotion of physical activity, lifestyle advice, support with mental health aspects and ability to remain at work. Digital healthcare is essential in supporting and optimising self-management and the HCPs need to be aware of available resources to signpost patients. CONCLUSION: These recommendations support the inclusion of self-management advice and resources in the routine management of people with IA and aim to empower and support patients and encourage a more holistic, patient-centred approach to care which could result in improved patient experience of care and outcomes.

Efficacy of Spice Supplementation in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Spices, i.e., curcumin, ginger, saffron, and cinnamon, have a thousand-year history of medicinal use in Asia. Modern medicine has begun to explore their therapeutic properties during the last few decades. We aimed to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of spice supplementation on symptoms and disease activity in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis). METHODS: An SLR of RCTs, reviews, and meta-analyses was performed, searching for articles in MEDLINE/PubMed. Abstracts from international rheumatology and nutrition congresses (2017-2020) were also scrutinized. The risk of bias of the selected studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Jadad scale. RESULTS: Altogether, six studies, assessing the use of spice supplementation only in RA patients, were included: one on garlic supplementation, two on curcumin, one on ginger, one on cinnamon, and one on saffron supplementation. Garlic, ginger, cinnamon, or saffron supplementation was associated with a decrease in RA clinical activity. However, several points limit the external validity of these studies. No conclusion on the impact of curcumin supplementation on RA activity could be drawn due to low-quality studies. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and saffron supplementation could have a beneficial effect on RA activity, but the risk of bias of these studies is difficult to assess and data are too limited to recommend them in daily practice.

Efficacy of Oral Vitamin Supplementation in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of oral vitamin supplementation on symptoms and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials including patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and abstracts from recent international rheumatology congresses. Studies were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We analysed clinical outcomes according to each type of vitamin supplementation. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 606 articles. Of these, 13 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis: eight studied vitamin D supplementation, two assessed vitamin E supplementation, two folic acid, and one vitamin K, all of them on RA patients. No studies on SpA or PsA were selected. Oral vitamin supplementations were not associated with a reduction in RA activity (DAS-28 or pain) or RA flares. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their beneficial effects, the effects of vitamin supplementation on RA activity, if any, seem to be limited. Evidence on their efficacy on SpA or PsA activity is lacking. However, folic acid supplementation should be suggested to prevent methotrexate-related side effects, and vitamin D should be given to patients with vitamin D deficiency to prevent musculo-skeletal complications.

Factors influencing the choice of biologic therapy following Rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective study using propensity score.

OBJECTIVES: To assess factors influencing the choice and effectiveness of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) following failure of rituximab (RTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), taking patient profile into account. METHODS: In a retrospective, multicenter study, data about RA patients starting a new biologic during the year after RTX discontinuation were collected at baseline (when the biologic was introduced after RTX), and during follow-up (3, 6, and 12 months). Characteristics of patients receiving tocilizumab (TCZ), abatacept (ABA), or a TNFα inhibitor (TNFi), EULAR response, and retention rate were compared using multidimensional factorial analysis for patient profiles and multivariate analysis including propensity score built on the patient profile. RESULTS: Among 152 patients analyzed (37.5% TCZ, 31.6% ABA, 30.9% TNFi), sex, disease characteristics and activity, concomitant DMARDs or glucocorticoids, and previous use of RTX and TNFi were similar at baseline. Patients receiving ABA were slightly older. Multimorbidity index was higher but not significantly different. Multidimensional factorial analysis showed a distinct profile of patients receiving ABA, characterized by older age, more men, more smokers, more comorbidities, and higher anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. At 1 year, drug retention was higher for ABA than TNFi after adjustment for disease duration, concomitant DMARDs, glucocorticoids, and propensity score (P=0.04). Tolerance and serious infections were similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of patients receiving ABA following failure of RTX differed from TNFi and TCZ using multidimensional factorial analysis. After adjustment for propensity score, drug retention rate remained higher with ABA than TNFi.