Digital pitting scars are associated with a severe disease course and death in systemic sclerosis: a study from the EUSTAR cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Digital pitting scars (DPS) are frequent, but little studied in SSc to date. METHODS: An analysis of SSc patients enrolled in the EUSTAR database. Primary objectives were to (i) examine DPS prevalence; (ii) examine whether DPS are associated with digital ulcers (DUs) and active digital ischaemia (DUs or gangrene); and (iii) describe other associations with DPS including internal organ complications. Secondary objectives were whether DPS are associated with (i) functional impairment; (ii) structural microvascular disease; and (iii) mortality. Descriptive statistics and parametric/non-parametric tests were used. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between DPS and DUs, active digital ischaemia and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 9671 patients were included with reported DPS at any time point (n = 4924) or 'never' DPS (n = 4747). The majority (86.9%) were female and mean age was 55.7 years. DPS were associated with longer disease and Raynaud's duration (both P ≤ 0.001). DPS were associated with interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, conduction blocks, telangiectases, calcinosis (all P ≤ 0.001) and joint synovitis (P = 0.021). Patients were more likely to have more severe capillaroscopic abnormality and greater hand functional impairment. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that DPS were associated (odds ratio) with DUs: 22.03 (19.51-24.87), active digital ischaemia: 6.30 (5.34-7.42) and death: 1.86 (1.48-2.36). CONCLUSION: DPS are associated with a severe disease course including death. The impact of DPS on hand function and ischaemia is significant. The presence of DPS should alert the clinician to a poor prognosis and need to optimize the therapeutic strategy.

Development of an environmental contextual factor item set relevant to global functioning and health in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of an Environmental contextual factors (EF) Item Set (EFIS) accompanying the disease specific Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI). METHOD: First, a candidate item pool was developed by linking items from existing questionnaires to 13 EF previously selected for the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) /ASAS Core Set. Second, using data from two international surveys, which contained the EF item pool as well as the items from the ASAS HI, the number of EF items was reduced based on the correlation between the item and the ASAS HI sum score combined with expert opinion. Third, the final English EFIS was translated into 15 languages and cross-culturally validated. RESULTS: The initial item pool contained 53 EF addressing four ICF EF chapters: products and technology (e1), support and relationship (e3), attitudes (e4) and health services (e5). Based on 1754 responses of axial spondyloarthritis patients in an international survey, 44 of 53 initial items were removed based on low correlations to the ASAS HI or redundancy combined with expert opinion. Nine items of the initial item pool (range correlation 0.21-0.49) form the final EFIS. The EFIS was translated into 15 languages and field tested in 24 countries. CONCLUSIONS: An EFIS is available complementing the ASAS HI and helps to interpret the ASAS HI results by gaining an understanding of the interaction between a health condition and contextual factors. The EFIS emphasizes the importance of support and relationships, as well as attitudes of the patient and health services in relation to self-reported health.

Polygenic Risk Scores have high diagnostic capacity in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to test the hypothesis that Polygenic Risk Scores (PRSs) have strong capacity to discriminate cases of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) from healthy controls and individuals in the community with chronic back pain. METHODS: PRSs were developed and validated in individuals of European and East Asian ethnicity, using data from genome-wide association studies in 15 585 AS cases and 20 452 controls. The discriminatory values of PRSs in these populations were compared with other widely used diagnostic tests, including C-reactive protein (CRP), HLA-B27 and sacroiliac MRI. RESULTS: In people of European descent, PRS had high discriminatory capacity with area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operator characteristic analysis of 0.924. This was significantly better than for HLA-B27 testing alone (AUC=0.869), MRI (AUC=0.885) or C-reactive protein (AUC=0.700). PRS developed and validated in individuals of East Asian descent performed similarly (AUC=0.948). Assuming a prior probability of AS of 10% such as in patients with chronic back pain under 45 years of age, compared with HLA-B27 testing alone, PRS provides higher positive values for 35% of patients and negative predictive values for 67.5% of patients. For PRS, in people of European descent, the maximum positive predictive value was 78.2% and negative predictive value was 100%, whereas for HLA-B27, these values were 51.9% and 97.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PRS have higher discriminatory capacity for AS than CRP, sacroiliac MRI or HLA-B27 status alone. For optimal performance, PRS should be developed for use in the specific ethnic groups to which they are to be applied.

Mental health and quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis in Aotearoa New Zealand following the COVID-19 national lockdown.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lockdown on the mental health (anxiety and depression) and quality of life (QOL) of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures instituted at a national level by the New Zealand Government. The present cohort was 104 individuals with RA (73.1%) and AS (26.9%) who had previously completed surveys for the Patient Opinion Real-Time Anonymous Liaison (PORTAL) project in 2018. Participants completed an online survey between July and September 2020 assessing their experiences over the first national COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand (March-May, 2020). Fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection, baseline anxiety, and being younger in age were all predictors of participants' current anxiety levels. Current QOL scores were significantly lower than prior to lockdown and were predicted by baseline QOL and current depression. No variables predicted current depression other than baseline levels. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had an impact on QOL and anxiety levels, but not depression for people with RA and AS in New Zealand. These novel findings imply that appropriate screening of mental health issues should be included in planning within the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and for future pandemics to optimise the wellbeing of people with RA and AS.

Central Sensitization Inventory Mediates the Relationship Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity and Worse Musculoskeletal Pain Experiences.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal conditions are well documented in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, whether IBD activity influences musculoskeletal pain experiences is uncertain. Central sensitization has been proposed in patients with IBD who are suffering from persistent pain. Identification of central sensitization symptomology using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) has been reported in many pain-related disorders. Aims of this study were to explore predictive relationships between IBD activity and musculoskeletal pain experiences (severity/interference), and the mediating effects of the CSI. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was performed exploring self-reported musculoskeletal pain in adults with IBD. Survey questionnaires included IBD activity indices, numeric rating scales, PROMIS Pain Interference, and the CSI. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between active IBD and pain experiences. Simple and serial mediation analyses were used to explore mediation models: independent variable (IBD activity), dependent variables (severity/interference), and mediators (CSI/severity). RESULTS: 208 adults with IBD, 18 to 88 years of age, reported musculoskeletal pain. Regression analysis identified IBD activity as a significant predictor of worse pain severity (R2  = 0.039, P < 0.005) and interference (R2  = 0.067, P < 0.001). Simple mediation showed a significant indirect effect from CSI scores between IBD activity and pain severity. Serial mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect from CSI scores and pain severity, between IBD activity and pain interference. CONCLUSION: Active IBD demonstrated a positive association with worse musculoskeletal pain experiences. The CSI demonstrated significant mediation between active IBD and pain severity. Additionally, the CSI and pain severity demonstrated significant mediation between active IBD and pain interference. This suggests that symptoms of central sensitization significantly influence musculoskeletal pain experiences in IBD.

Measurement properties of the ASAS Health Index: results of a global study in patients with axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate construct validity, interpretability, reliability and responsiveness as well as determination of cut-off points for good and poor health within the original English version and the 18 translations of the disease-specific Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) in 23 countries worldwide in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: A representative sample of patients with SpA fulfilling the ASAS classification criteria for axial (axSpA) or peripheral SpA was used. The construct validity of the ASAS HI was tested using Spearman correlation with several standard health outcomes for axSpA. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) in patients with stable disease (interval 4-7 days). In patients who required an escalation of therapy because of high disease activity, responsiveness was tested after 2-24weeks using standardised response mean (SRM). RESULTS: Among the 1548 patients, 64.9% were men, with a mean (SD) age 42.0 (13.4) years. Construct validity ranged from low (age: 0.10) to high (Bath AnkylosingSpondylitisFunctioning Index: 0.71). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α of 0.93). The reliability among 578 patients was good (ICC=0.87 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.89)). Responsiveness among 246 patients was moderate-large (SRM=-0.44 for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, -0.69 for conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and -0.85 for tumour necrosis factor inhibitor). The smallest detectable change was 3.0. Values ≤5.0 have balanced specificity to distinguish good health as opposed to moderate health, and values ≥12.0 are specific to represent poor health as opposed to moderate health. CONCLUSIONS: The ASAS HI proved to be valid, reliable and responsive. It can be used to evaluate the impact of SpA and its treatment on functioning and health. Furthermore, comparison of disease impact between populations is possible.

Statin-associated immune-mediated necrotising myopathy: a New Zealand case series showing possible overrepresentation in Pacific Islanders.

BACKGROUND: Statin-associated immmune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM) is an emerging entity. Being an uncommon condition, our knowledge and understanding is largely based on case series. AIM: To review incident cases of statin-associated IMNM associated with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) antibodies in a single New Zealand centre over a 2-year period. METHODS: Four incident cases of statin-associated IMNM were seen between 2014 and 2016. Their presentation, investigation, treatment and current response to treatment are summarised. Two of the four patients were Pacific Islanders despite a small Pacific Island population in the southern district health board. A literature search was performed focusing on the presentation, investigation and treatment of statin-associated IMNM and also genetic associations with this entity to determine whether Pacific Islanders may be at increased risk RESULTS: All four patients presented with profound weakness and recent exposure to atorvastatin. All proceeded to muscle biopsy. Two biopsies showed typical IMNM. One biopsy had mild changes, reported as possibly being compatible with anti-HMGCR antibodies. The final biopsy had features consistent with IMNM, with some features suggestive of polymyositis. Two recent studies have shown an association between anti-HMGCR antibodies and the HLA-DRB1*11:01 haplotype. Interestingly, HLA-DRB1 alleles (including HLA-DRB1*11:01) were observed to be among the most frequent alleles in a Pacific Island population study. CONCLUSION: This is the first case series of statin-associated IMNM with a focus on Pacific Islanders and raises the possibility that Pacific Islanders exposed to statins may be at increased risk of developing an immune-mediated myopathy.

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel green-lipped mussel extract -BioLex® -for managing pain in moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

BACKGROUND: Extracts from perna canaliculus, the Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) are widely used as a complimentary therapy by patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The current study investigated the potential of a novel GLM formulation as a treatment for OA. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to assess potential impacts on pain and quality of life following 12 weeks of treatment. METHODS: Eighty patients with moderate to severe OA of the hip or knee were randomized to receive either 600 mg of BioLex®-GLM daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Entry criteria included a minimum 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale pain score (VAS) of 30 mm at baseline. The primary outcome was patient reported pain, measured by the Western Ontario and McMasters OA Index (WOMAC) pain subscale and VAS pain scale. Secondary outcomes included: quality of life (OAQol), total WOMAC score, WOMAC -20 responder criteria, and change in medication use over the study period. Participants were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks (end of therapy) and 15 weeks (3-weeks post-intervention). RESULTS: At week 12, there were no significant differences in VAS or WOMAC pain subscale between active and placebo groups, nor significant improvement in the WOMAC-20 responder criteria or OAQol. Joint stiffness (measured by WOMAC-B stiffness) in the GLM group improved compared with placebo (p = 0.046). There was a significant difference in paracetamol use between the GLM treated group and the placebo group after week 12 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BioLex® -GLM extract did not confer clinical benefit in moderate to severe OA over the intervention period, however, a significant difference in paracetamol use in the post-intervention period was observed between the BioLex® -GLM group and placebo group. Higher doses and/or longer treatment periods are worthy of future investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: no. ACTRN12611000256976 .

Distinct immune signatures in the colon of Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis patients in the absence of inflammation.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by patchy inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is primarily characterized by inflammation of the lower vertebral column, and many patients with AS present with inflammatory gut symptoms. Genome-wide association studies have highlighted significant overlap in short nucleotide polymorphisms for both diseases. We hypothesized that patients with CD and AS have a common intestinal immune signature, characterized by inflammatory T cells, compared with healthy people. We designed a pilot study to determine both the feasibility of defining complex immune signatures from primary tissue, and differences in the local immune signature of people with inflammatory diseases compared with healthy people. Intestinal biopsies were obtained by colonoscopy from healthy patients, non-inflamed regions of CD patients and AS patients with inflammatory gut symptoms. A flow cytometry platform was developed measuring polyfunctional T-cell populations based on cytokines, surface molecules and transcription factors. There was overlap in the immune signature of people with CD or AS, characterized by changes in the frequency of regulatory T cells, compared with healthy people. There were significant differences in frequencies of other polyfunctional T-cell populations-CD patients had an increased frequency of T cells producing interleukin-22 (IL-22) and interferon-γ, whereas AS patients had an increased frequency of T cells producing IL-2; compared with healthy people. These data indicate that the local immune signature could be described in these patients and that distinct immune mechanisms may underlie disease progression.

Establishing key components of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions: a Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests yoga is a safe and effective intervention for the management of physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with musculoskeletal conditions. However, heterogeneity in the components and reporting of clinical yoga trials impedes both the generalization of study results and the replication of study protocols. The aim of this Delphi survey was to address these issues of heterogeneity, by developing a list of recommendations of key components for the design and reporting of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS: Recognised experts involved in the design, conduct, and teaching of yoga for musculoskeletal conditions were identified from a systematic review, and invited to contribute to the Delphi survey. Forty-one of the 58 experts contacted, representing six countries, agreed to participate. A three-round Delphi was conducted via electronic surveys. Round 1 presented an open-ended question, allowing panellists to individually identify components they considered key to the design and reporting of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. Thematic analysis of Round 1 identified items for quantitative rating in Round 2; items not reaching consensus were forwarded to Round 3 for re-rating. RESULTS: Thirty-six panellists (36/41; 88%) completed the three rounds of the Delphi survey. Panellists provided 348 comments to the Round 1 question. These comments were reduced to 49 items, grouped under five themes, for rating in subsequent rounds. A priori group consensus of ≥80% was reached on 28 items related to five themes concerning defining the yoga intervention, types of yoga practices to include in an intervention, delivery of the yoga protocol, domains of outcome measures, and reporting of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, a priori consensus of ≥50% was reached on five items relating to minimum values for intervention parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Expert consensus has provided a non-prescriptive reference list for the design and reporting of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. It is anticipated future research incorporating the Delphi guidelines will facilitate high quality international research in this field, increase homogeneity of intervention components and parameters, and enhance the comparison and reproducibility of research into the use of yoga for the management of musculoskeletal conditions.

The prevalence and clinical features of leflunomide-associated peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatic disease in a New Zealand cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and clinical features of leflunomide-associated peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatic disease over a 42-month observational period between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using regional prescription data identifying all patients treated with leflunomide for rheumatic diseases in the Southern District Health Board of New Zealand. Medical records were used to identify patients who developed peripheral neuropathy while receiving treatment with leflunomide. Demographic characteristics, co-therapies, and additional risk factors for peripheral neuropathy were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 482 patients were identified as receiving leflunomide for the treatment of rheumatic during the study period. In total, 23 patients developed leflunomide-induced peripheral neuropathy within the cohort giving a prevalence of 4.7%. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) performed in 18 (78.2%) of these patients confirmed a distal axonal, sensory, or sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. The majority of patients (n = 22; 95.6%) either improved, stabilized, or resolved on cessation of the drug, with or without medication washout. Adverse symptoms were reported in association with peripheral neuropathy in 15 of the 23 patients (65.2%): these included pain, poor sleep, compromised skin integrity, poor balance, and a Charcot-like arthropathy. Additional treatment was required to manage symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including nine patients (39%) who received pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the previously reported association between leflunomide treatment and the development of a peripheral neuropathy. However, our findings suggest that this is more common than the previous estimates. In patients with psoriatic arthritis and previous tarsitis, there appeared to be an association with a Charcot's-like arthropathy, a complication not previously noted in the literature.

Preferences for Tapering Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Among People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the preferences of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regarding tapering of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). The aim of this study was to assess the preferences of people with RA in relation to potential treatment-related benefits and risks of bDMARD tapering and the health care service-related attributes that affect tapering. METHODS: Participants with RA who had experience taking a bDMARD completed an online discrete choice experiment. Participants were asked their preferences when given three hypothetical treatment scenarios in which varying the frequency of treatment might alter their chance of adverse effects, of regaining disease control, and of other health care service-related effects. Preference weights were estimated using a multinomial logit model. RESULTS: There were 142 complete responses. Reduced dosing frequency of bDMARD treatment had the largest impact on preference (mean 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.2), followed by chance of disease flare (mean 0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.9). Participants were willing to accept an increased risk of flare between 10.6% (95% CI 3.2-17.9) and 60.6% (95% CI 48.1-72.9) in exchange for benefits associated with tapering bDMARDs. Participants with better quality of life were more likely to choose to remain on current treatment. The predicted uptake of bDMARD tapering was high among people with RA, suggesting bDMARD tapering was a favored option. CONCLUSION: For individuals with RA, making decisions about tapering bDMARDs involves considering several factors, with the most important determinants identified as dosing frequency and the risk of disease flare. Understanding patient perspectives of bDMARD tapering may enable physicians to make patient-focused shared health care decisions.

The role of the microbiome in rheumatic diseases.

There is a growing understanding of the mechanisms by which the influence of the microbiota projects beyond sites of primary mucosal occupation to other human body systems. Bacteria present in the intestinal tract exert a profound effect on the host immune system, both locally and at distant sites. The oral cavity has its own characteristic microbiota, which concentrates in periodontal tissues and is in close association with a permeable epithelium. In this review we examine evidence which supports a role for the microbiome in the aetiology of rheumatic disease. We also discuss how changes in the composition of the microbiota, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract, may be affected by genetics, diet, and use of antimicrobial agents. Evidence is presented to support the theory that an altered microbiota is a factor in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mechanisms through which the microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases include altered epithelial and mucosal permeability, loss of immune tolerance to components of the indigenous microbiota, and trafficking of both activated immune cells and antigenic material to the joints. The potential to manipulate the microbiome, by application of probiotics and faecal microbial transplant (FMT), is now being investigated. Both approaches are in their infancy with regard to management of rheumatic disease but their potential is worthy of consideration, given the need for novel therapeutic approaches, and the emerging recognition of the importance of microbial interactions with human hosts.

Validation of the Dudley Inflammatory Bowel Symptom Questionnaire for the assessment of bowel symptoms in axial SpA: prevalence of clinically relevant bowel symptoms and association with disease activity.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the Dudley Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (DISQ) for determining the presence and severity of bowel symptoms in axial SpA. METHODS: Seventy-seven SpA patients were assessed for disease activity using the BASDAI. All participants, including 32 healthy controls and 29 patients with Crohn's Disease (CD), completed the DISQ and an assessment of stool form and frequency. Validation of the DISQ was undertaken in accordance with OMERACT criteria. RESULTS: Validity of the DISQ for measuring bowel symptoms in SpA was confirmed (Cronbach's α 0.79). Mean DISQ scores (s.d.) were: controls 2.6 (2.6), SpA 8.7 (6.1) and CD 17.1 (10.2). Differences were significant between controls and SpA, and SpA and CD, and correlated with disease activity (ρ 0.27, P = 0.02). In SpA, DISQ scores of those taking NSAIDs (n = 59) did not differ from those not taking NSAIDs (n = 18) (P = 0.31). Stool form and frequency differed significantly between SpA patients and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Using the DISQ the prevalence of clinically relevant bowel symptoms in SpA is 31%, and 7.8% experience bowel symptoms equivalent to active CD. CONCLUSION: The DISQ is a valid measure of bowel symptoms in SpA. Bowel symptoms are prevalent in SpA and correlate with disease activity. Symptoms do not relate to treatment with NSAIDs. We conclude that bowel symptoms should be included as a domain in the clinical assessment of patients with SpA and that the DISQ has potential as an outcome measure in clinical trials.

Somatosensory assessments in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study examining pain processing pathways and the role of multiple patient factors.

BACKGROUND: Pain affects the majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where pain experiences may be influenced by multiple patient factors and changes within central pain processing pathways, termed central sensitization. The current study aimed to investigate pain processing pathways in patients with IBD through somatosensory testing and associations with multiple patient factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of adults with IBD. Assessments included: somatosensory tests [i.e. pressure pain thresholds (PPT), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM)], and patient factors (i.e. demographics, comorbidity, sleep quality, psychological, pain severity and interference, and IBD features). Multiple regression analyses explored associations between somatosensory tests and multiple patient factors. RESULTS: Decreased CPM in participants (N = 51) was associated with worse abdominal pain severity and use of biologic therapies (R2 = 0.30, F(5,44) = 5.18, P = 0.001). Increased TS was associated with biologic use (R2 = 0.11, F(1,49) = 6.13, P = 0.017). Decreased PPT at the low back (R2 = 0.29, F(2,48) = 11.21, P < 0.001) and Tibialis anterior (R2 = 0.41, F(2,48) = 18.26, P < 0.001) were associated with female sex and the absence of a stoma. CONCLUSION: Study results demonstrated associations between multiple patient factors and somatosensory tests in patients with IBD. The absence of a stoma and female sex was associated with greater sensitivity to pressure in two remote body regions, suggestive of widespread hyperalgesia. Worse abdominal pain severity and biologic use were associated with decreased pain inhibition, and biologic use was also associated with increased pain facilitation. These findings suggest the presence of altered pain processing and mechanisms of central sensitization in patients with IBD.

Fears about COVID-19 and perceived risk among people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis following the initial lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of life and may raise particular fears for people with rheumatic disease. There is a need for research on fears and perceived risk of SARS-CoV-2 so as to understand the impact on wellbeing and inform service provision. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the correlates of COVID-19 fears and perceived risk of SARS-CoV-2 among people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was applied in Aotearoa New Zealand in the period after initial nationwide lockdowns. METHOD: An online survey was completed from July to September 2020 by 126 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 96) or ankylosing spondylitis (n = 30) who had previously been recruited to the Patient Opinion Real-Time Anonymous Liaison (PORTAL) study in 2015 or 2018. The survey included demographics and health information as well as measures of COVID-19 fears and experiences, functional disability and fatigue-related disability. RESULTS: Fears about COVID-19 were higher among younger participants, those who had been tested for SARS-CoV-2, and those who experienced more flares over the initial lockdown. Perceived risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was also higher among individual who had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 and those taking biologic medications. CONCLUSION: Fears about COVID-19 and perceived risk of infection are related to age, health and medications among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These findings inform how health professionals can help address the concerns of particular groups of people with rheumatic disease by providing relevant information about the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

Criterion validity and discriminatory ability of the central sensitization inventory short form in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Increased symptoms related to central sensitization have previously been reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, identified by the original central sensitization inventory (CSI-25). However, the recently developed CSI short form (CSI-9) may be more clinically useful. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of CSI-9 compared to the original CSI-25 in individuals with IBD. Study objectives were to investigate the criterion validity of the CSI-9 to the CSI-25, assess individual association of the CSI measures with clinical features of IBD and pain presentations, and to establish disease-specific CSI-9 and CSI-25 cut-off scores for discriminating the presence of self-reported pain in individuals with IBD. METHODS: Cross-sectional online survey was performed on adults with IBD exploring self-reported demographics, comorbidity, and clinical IBD and pain features. Criterion validity of the CSI-9 was investigated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)3,1. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) analysis was conducted to investigate the discriminative ability of both versions of CSI. RESULTS: Of the 320 participants, 260 reported the presence of abdominal and/or musculoskeletal pain. CSI-9 and CSI-25 demonstrated substantial agreement (ICC3,1=0.64, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69]). AUC (95% CI) indicated that CSI-9 (0.788 (0.725, 0.851), p<0.001) and CSI-25 (0.808 (0.750, 0.867), p<0.001) were able to adequately discriminate the presence of pain using cut-offs scores of ≥17 (CSI-9) and ≥40 (CSI-25). Abdominal pain severity was the only feature to differ in significant association to CSI-25 (p=0.002) compared to CSI-9 (p=0.236). All other features demonstrated significant associations to both CSI versions, except age (p=0.291 and 0.643) and IBD subtype (p=0.115 and 0.675). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to explore and validate the use of CSI-9 in IBD patients. Results demonstrated concurrent validity of the CSI-9 to CSI-25, with similar significant association to multiple patient features, and a suggested cut-off value of 17 on CSI-9 to screen for individuals with pain experiences. Study findings suggest that CSI-9 is suitable to use as a brief tool in IBD patients.

Impact of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Pragmatic Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: First carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is typically understood as part of the disease entity of hand OA. However, CMC1 joint OA often occurs in isolation or is a primary source of symptoms. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of New Zealanders with CMC1 joint OA to better understand the unique impact of this condition, ascertain outcomes of importance, and identify treatment targets. METHODS: In this pragmatic qualitative study, patients who either reported a history suggestive of CMC1 joint OA or had been diagnosed by a physician were recruited from health and community settings in 2 centers on the South Island of New Zealand. Thirty participants (11 men and 19 women, mean ± SD age 65.4 ± 11.36 years) took part in individual face-to-face interviews and kept diaries. The interviews were audio recorded, and along with the diaries, transcribed. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using a primarily inductive approach. The Health Impact Model was employed to help with interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Five interrelated levels of health impact were identified: symptom status, functional limitations, restrictions in social activities and roles, negative thoughts and feelings, and an altered sense of self. Constant pain and pain at night were key symptoms that were associated with impact at the other levels. CONCLUSION: Constant pain, pain at night, functional capacity, medication burden, emotional impact, and sense of self are important outcomes and treatment targets in people with CMC1 joint OA.