Clinical presentation and treatment response in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis during a 40-week follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to study the clinical features of PMR/GCA and clinical predictors of treatment response during a 40-week follow-up period. METHODS: Clinical data on 77 patients with newly diagnosed PMR/GCA who were treated with oral glucocorticoids were gathered at baseline and during a 40-week follow-up period. A unilateral temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT were undertaken at diagnosis. In total, each patient was seen on five occasions (i.e. baseline and weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40). Treatment response was assessed by considering clinical evaluations and results of inflammatory markers. RESULTS: Of 77 patients [49 (63.6%) female; mean age 71.8 (8.0) years], 64 (83.1%) patients had pure PMR, 10 (13.0%) concomitant PMR and GCA, and 3 (3.9%) pure GCA. The patients reported that clinical symptoms, apart from scalp pain and duration of morning stiffness, improved significantly at week 4 and remained lower at week 40 compared with the relative frequencies at baseline. Besides, all components of physical examination showed significant improvement and remained lower at week 40 compared with the baseline. A complete response was seen in 68.7, 62.9, 44.1 and 33.3% of patients at weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40, respectively. Several clinical features, including female biological sex, younger age, fewer relapses and a lower level of baseline ESR, were significantly associated with a better treatment response. Treatment response during the follow-up period was independent of TAB results and fluorodeoxyglucose uptakes on 18F-FDG PET/CT at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Obtaining valid disease-specific outcome measures for evaluating treatment efficacy in PMR and GCA that can be applied universally is clearly an unmet clinical need. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02985424.

Feasibility and usefulness of a fast-track clinic for patients suspected of polymyalgia rheumatica: notes for a work schedule through a narrative review of published literature.

OBJECTIVES: Fast-track clinics (FTC) have been introduced in different fields and have been reporting significant outcomes in terms of reducing mortality, morbidity, and financial costs. To date, scarce evidence is available for FTC specific for patients suspected of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The primary aim of our paper is to provide an overview of the clinical impact of PMR on patients and the healthcare system by analysing multiple aspects: the median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and the burden of the disease both on the healthcare system costs and on patients' quality of life (QoL). Secondarily, based on these data, we aim to discuss the potential advantages and feasibility of a PMR FTC in everyday clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a narrative non-systematic review (PRISMA protocol not followed) of PubMed and Medline (OVID interface) with the following MeSH terms: [polymyalgia rheumatica AND diagnosis OR diagnosis, delayed OR patient care OR early diagnosis OR length of stay OR costs OR healthcare system OR quality of life] or [polymyalgia rheumatica AND glucocorticoids AND side effects]. We decided to exclude every paper that did not report raw data in terms of diagnostic time or delay, hospitalization rate, socio-economic costs on the healthcare system, patients' QoL, and glucocorticoids-related events in PMR patients. Papers focused primarily on giant cell arteritis patients with overlapping PMR were also excluded. Abstract archives of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) congresses of the last 10 years were screened and included in the search if raw data were available. Each paper's reference list was scanned for additional publications meeting this study's aims. When papers reported data partially presented in previous articles, we opted to use the most recently published data. RESULTS: According to our literature review, a PMR FTC might lighten the burden of the disease. Nevertheless, its feasibility depends mostly on the resources of the national health system and of the territorial health district, which are heterogeneously limited. The usefulness of PMR FTCs depends on closer collaboration with the general practitioner because he/she is the first clinician to visit patients with PMR. CONCLUSIONS: Polymyalgia rheumatica fast-track clinics might lighten the burden of the disease. However, it has some limits that should carefully assessed in planning health policies.

Prognostic impacts of glucocorticoid treatment in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis.

Identifying comorbidities in polymyalgia rheumatica/giant cell arteritis (PMR/GCA) is crucial for patients' outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the inflammatory process and glucocorticoid treatment on aortic arterial stiffness and body composition in PMR/GCA. 77 patients with newly diagnosed PMR/GCA were treated with oral glucocorticoids and followed for 40 weeks. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured at baseline and during the follow-up period and compared to the results of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Body composition was assessed by total body DXA at baseline and the end of the study. Of 77 patients (49 (63.6%) female, mean of age: (71.8 ± 8.0)), 64 (83.1%) had pure PMR, 10 (13.0%) concomitant PMR and GCA, and 3 (3.9%) pure GCA. Compared to baseline values, aortic PWV was initially decreased at week 16 (p = 0.010) and remained lower than baseline at week 28 (p = 0.002) and week 40 (p < 0.001), with no association with results of TAB and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Aortic PWV was significantly associated with age, male gender, left systolic and diastolic blood pressure, right diastolic blood pressure, and CRP. Total bone mineral content (BMC) was decreased in both genders (p < 0.001), while fat mass (FM) was significantly increased (p < 0.001). However, lean body mass did not significantly change during the study. Changes in FM were correlated with cumulative prednisolone dose (rho: 0.26, p = 0.031). Glucocorticoid treatment of patients with PMR/GCA had several prognostic impacts. Arterial stiffness was decreased due either to the treatment or a reduction in the inflammatory load. Additionally, treatment led to changes in body composition, including a decrease in BMC and FM excess.

Prevalence of Newly Diagnosed Malignancies in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis, Comparison of 18F-FDG PET/CT Scan with Chest X-ray and Abdominal Ultrasound: Data from a 40 Week Prospective, Exploratory, Single Centre Study.

The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of newly diagnosed malignancies in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA), with the aid of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan compared to conventional imaging techniques: Chest X-ray (CXR) and abdominal ultrasound (US). Secondarily, to examine the relative diagnostic accuracy of these two imaging modalities for the detection of cancer. Eighty consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PMR, GCA, or concomitant PMR and GCA, were included and followed up for 40 weeks. All patients underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, CXR, and abdominal US at diagnosis. Imaging findings were dichotomously categorized into malignant or benign. Among 80 patients, three patients were diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 77, 64 (83.1%) patients were diagnosed with pure PMR, 3 (3.9%) with pure GCA, and 10 (13.0%) with concomitant PMR and GCA. Five types of cancer that were more prevalent than the one-year prevalence of 1.2% among the background population were found in four (5.2%; 95%CI: 1.4-12.8%) patients. CXR/abdominal US could detect the solid cancer in one patient, whereas 18F-FDG PET/CT could identify all four solid cancers. Furthermore, four (5.2%; 95%CI: 1.4-12.8%) cases of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) were found. An increase in C reactive protein (CRP) implicated an increased risk for cancer of 2.4% (OR: 1.024, 95%CI: 1.001-1.047; p = 0.041). 18F-FDG PET/CT can reveal occult cancers at an early stage with a high negative predictive value, and it is specifically beneficial in PMR/GCA patients with nonspecific symptoms.

The Utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Patients With Clinical Suspicion of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: A Prospective, Observational, and Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To define the proportions of agreement between fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), clinical diagnosis, and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). Furthermore, the association of 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake patterns and clinical presentation of newly diagnosed PMR and GCA was investigated. METHODS: Eighty patients newly suspected of having PMR, GCA, or concomitant PMR and GCA were included and followed for 40 weeks. Every patient underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT scan before or within 3 days of initiation of steroids in case of GCA. FDG uptakes in 8 paired articular/periarticular sites and 14 arterial segments were evaluated based on a 4-point visual grading scale. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients (female: 50 [62.5%]; mean age ± SD: 72.0 ± 7.9), 64 (80.0%) patients were diagnosed with pure PMR, 3 (3.7%) with pure GCA, and 10 (12.5%) with concomitant PMR and GCA. Additionally, three (3.7%) patients were diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis during the follow-up period. For the diagnosis of PMR, 18F-FDG PET/CT had a proportion of agreement of 75.3 (64.2-84.4), compared with clinical diagnosis. When comparing findings of 18F-FDG PET/CT with TAB, 18F-FDG PET/CT had a proportion of agreement of 93.0 (84.3-97.7) in all included patients and 69.2 (38.6-90.9) in the subgroup of patients with vasculitis. C-reactive protein was significantly higher in patients with PMR activity on 18F-FDG PET/CT compared with those without 18F-FDG PET/CT activity (P value = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FDG PET/CT is a powerful imaging technique in PMR and GCA that was in good agreement with clinical diagnosis and TAB.

The influence of thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency and other comorbid autoimmune diseases on treatment outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory cohort study.

To investigate the impact of comorbid diseases on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outcome.All patients diagnosed with RA since 2006, who were registered in our local Danbio registry, were included in this cohort study. Patients' demographics, serology results, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) at the time of diagnosis and after 4 months of treatment initiation were collected. Patients' electronic hospital records were evaluated for a positive history of thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, and the presence of other diagnosed autoimmune diseases.1035 RA patients were included. The observed prevalence of thyroid diseases was 11.8%, DM 10.4%, primary hyperparathyroidism 2.8%, vitamin B12 deficiency 5.8%, and other diagnosed autoimmune diseases 1.6%. There were significant associations between presence of thyroid diseases and female gender (P < .001); DM and greater age (P < .001); primary hyperparathyroidism and longer disease duration (P = .002); other diagnosed autoimmune diseases and antinuclear antibody positivity (P < .001). RA patients with thyroid diseases (P = .001) and other comorbid autoimmune diseases (P < .001) had significantly poorer initial response to the RA treatment compared to patients with isolated RA.Univariate analyses revealed that age, the presence of thyroid diseases, the presence of other diagnosed autoimmune diseases and DAS28-CRP at the time of diagnosis were significantly associated with ΔDAS28-CRP. Additionally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that ΔDAS28-CRP deterioration was significantly correlated to the presence of thyroid diseases (unstandardized regression coefficient (standard error); -0.188 (0.088), P = .030) and the presence of other diagnosed autoimmune diseases (-0.537 (0.208), P = .010).RA patients are at increased risk of specific comorbidities with possible impact on the treatment outcome. To improve this situation, periodic assessment of comorbidities should be considered.

Thyroid disorders in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis is associated with poor initial treatment response evaluated by disease activity score in 28 joints-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP): An observational cohort study.

To determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders among newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and evaluate the association between clinical characteristics of RA and thyroid disorders, and also initial treatment response in the RA patients with thyroid disorders.Newly diagnosed, adult RA patients who were diagnosed according to the new 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria since January 1, 2010, were included. Patients' demographic data, serology results including immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor (IgM RF), anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), and antinuclear antibody (ANA), and also disease activity score in 28 joints-C-reactive protein at the time of diagnosis and after 4 months (±1-2 months) of treatment initiation were extracted from Danish Danbio Registry. Patients' electronic hospital records for the past 10 years were reviewed to reveal if they had been diagnosed with thyroid disorders or they had abnormal thyroid test.In all, 439 patients were included, female 60.1%, mean age 64.6 ±â€Š15.0 years and disease duration 2.6 ±â€Š1.7 years. Prevalence of thyroid disorders was 69/439 (15.7%) and hypothyroidism was the most frequent disorder (30.4%). The presence of thyroid disorders among RA patients was significantly associated with female sex (P < .001), ANA positivity (P = .04), and anti-CCP ≥100 EU/mL (P = .05). Furthermore, RA patients with thyroid disorders had significantly poorer initial response to RA treatment compared with patients with isolated RA after 4 months of treatment (P = .02). There were no associations between thyroid disorders and age, disease duration, and also IgM RF positivity.Presence of thyroid disorders in RA patients is suggestive of a more aggressive disease and poor outcome, with direct effect on initial treatment response. To diagnose concurrent thyroid disorders at an earlier stage, routine measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone is recommended in all RA patients at the time of diagnosis and with yearly interval thereafter.

Patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of diabetes mellitus: an observational cohort study.

AIMS: To reveal the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in patients with newly diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and evaluate the association between clinical characteristics of RA and DM as well as treatment response in newly diagnosed RA patients with DM. METHODS: Newly diagnosed, adult, RA patients, who were registered in Danish Danbio since 1st January 2010, were included. Patients' demographics, serology results including rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) as well as disease activity score in 28 joints-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) at the time of diagnosis and after 4 months (±1-2 months) of treatment initiation were extracted from Danbio Registry. To reveal the presence of DM, patients' electronic medical records were reviewed. The prevalence of DM in our patients was compared (using an age- and gender-matched analysis) with that expected from Danish population. RESULTS: of 439 included patients, 60.1% were female, mean of age 64.6±15.0 years and RA disease duration 2.6±1.7 years. Prevalence of DM was 57/439 (12.9%), herein type II DM 52 (91.2%) and type I DM 5 (8.8%). Except for two patients, diagnosis of DM was established prior to the diagnosis of RA. The prevalence of DM in newly diagnosed RA patients of all ages was significantly increased versus that expected from Danish population (RR=2.21, CI=1.40-3.42, P min 0.001). In addition, prevalence of DM was significantly increased with more than twice of the expected for RA patients aged 65-84. Both genders showed increased risk of DM after subgroup analysis. The presence of DM in RA patients was significantly associated with age (P min 0.001) and RA disease duration ≥4 years (P =0.05). We did not find any significant associations between presence of DM and gender, RF, anti-CCP as well as ANA. Additionally, presence of DM in the RA patients was not a negative predictor of treatment response measured by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria and ∆DAS28-CRP. CONCLUSION: Newly diagnosed RA patients are at higher risk of DM (13% versus 5.7% in Denmark), and a high index of suspicion must be kept.

Clinical characteristics of importance to outcome in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: protocol for a prospective descriptive and exploratory cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a heterogeneous spectrum of rheumatic diseases with either predominantly axial inflammatory symptoms of the spine and sacroiliac joints or predominantly peripheral arthritis. The two main entities of axial SpA (axSpA) are ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA). Tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of patients with axSpA who failed to respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Chronic pain is common in patients with SpA and may still persist despite the lack of signs of inflammation. This has led researchers to hypothesise that central pain sensitisation may play a role in the generation of chronic pain in SpA. The painDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ) is a screening tool developed to detect neuropathic pain components. The primary objective is to explore the prognostic value of the PDQ regarding treatment response in patients with axSpA 3 months after initiating a biological agent. Secondary aim is to evaluate the impact of extra-articular manifestations, comorbidities and patient-reported outcomes and elucidate if these factors influence treatment response. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: We will include 60 participants (≥18 years of age) diagnosed with axSpA independent of main entity, who initiate or switch treatment of a biologic. Data will be collected at baseline and at endpoint following Danish clinical practice (≥3 months) of treatment with biologics. We will explore whether the PDQ and other phenotypical patient characteristics are prognostically important for response to biological therapy according to established response criteria like 50% improvement in the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (50%) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved by the Region of Southern Denmark's Ethics committee (S-20160094) and has been designed in cooperation with patient representatives. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02948608, pre-results). Dissemination will occur through publication(s) in international peer-reviewed journal(s).

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis-three challenges-consequences of the vasculitis process, osteoporosis, and malignancy: A prospective cohort study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are common inflammatory conditions. The diagnosis of PMR/GCA poses many challenges since there are no specific diagnostic tests. Recent literature emphasizes the ability of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) to assess global disease activity in inflammatory diseases. 18F-FDG PET/CT may lead to the diagnosis at an earlier stage than conventional imaging and may also assess response to therapy. With respect to the management of PMR/GCA, there are 3 significant areas of concern as follows: vasculitis process/vascular stiffness, malignancy, and osteoporosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: All patients with suspected PMR/GCR referred to the Rheumatology section of Medicine Department at Svendborg Hospital, Denmark. The 4 separate studies in the current protocol focus on: the association of clinical picture of PMR/GCA with PET findings; the validity of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan for diagnosis of PMR/GCA compared with temporal artery biopsy; the prevalence of newly diagnosed malignancies in patients with PMR/GCA, or PMR-like syndrome, with the focus on diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan compared with conventional workup (ie, chest X-ray/abdominal ultrasound); and the impact of disease process, and also steroid treatment on bone mineral density, body composition, and vasculitis/vascular stiffness in PMR/GCA patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of the Region of Southern Denmark (identification number: S-20160098) and Danish Data Protection Agency (J.nr 16/40522). Results of the study will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentation at national and international conferences.

The ratio of nurse consultation and physician efficiency index of senior rheumatologists is significantly higher than junior physicians in rheumatology residency training: A new efficiency measure in a cohort, exploratory study.

To elucidate the difference between ratios of nurse consultation sought by senior rheumatologists and junior physicians in rheumatology residency training, and also to evaluate physician efficiency index respecting patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Data regarding outpatient visits for RA patients between November 2013 and 2015 were extracted. The mean interval (day) between consultations, the nurse/physician visits ratio, and physician efficiency index (nurse/physician visits ratio × mean interval) for each senior and junior physicians were calculated. Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-C-Reactive Protein (DAS28-CRP) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores were used to monitor treatment outcome. Therefore, DAS28 and HAQ scores were measured 3 times: firstly at physician consultation, then after nurse consultation, and finally at the third visit, either at a nurse or physician consultation.Of 6046 visits, 3699 visits, planned by 11 physicians (4 specialists and 7 junior physicians), were included. These numbers of visits belonged to 672 RA patients, among which 431 (64.1%) patients were female, the mean age being 64.9 ±â€Š14.1 years, and DAS28 at baseline was 4.5 ±â€Š1.2. The nurse/physician visits ratio (P = .01) and mean efficiency index (P = .04) of senior rheumatologists were significantly higher than that of junior physicians. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation between physician postgraduate experience and physician efficiency index adjusted for DAS28 at baseline and number of patients for each physician (regression coefficient 5.427, 95% confidence interval 1.068-9.787, P = .022). There was a high correlation between physicians' postgraduate experience (year) and the ratio of nurse/physician visits (r = 0.91, P < .001), and also physician efficiency index (r = 0.94, P < .001). Nurse consultation did not contribute to worsening treatment outcome, since DAS28 and HAQ scores were significantly decreased if physician visits were followed by nurse visits (P = .004 for DAS28 and P = .025 for HAQ).If junior physicians are supervised to refer RA patients with milder and sufficient treatment plan to nurses, the entire department operates more efficiently, leading to prevent additional expenses (due to the differences in yearly salary of physicians and nurses) and human resource waste. Quality of care should be monitored by markers of disease activity and CRP.

No further gain can be achieved by calculating Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with high-sensitivity assay of C-reactive protein because of high intraindividual variability of C-reactive protein: A cross-sectional study and theoretical consideration.

Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) is commonly used to evaluate disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is a guide to treatment decision.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lower reporting limit for C-reactive protein (CRP), with respect to intraindividual biological variability, on the calculation of DAS28 and subsequent patient classification.This study consists of 2 sections: a theoretical consideration discussing the performance of CRP in calculating DAS28 taking intraindividual biological variation and lower reporting limit for CRP into account and a cross-sectional study of RA patients applying our theoretical results. Therefore, we calculated DAS28 twice, with the actual CRP values and CRP = 9 mg/L, the latter to elucidate the positive effects of reducing the lower reporting limit of CRP from <10 to <3 mg/L.Lower-reporting limit of <10 mg/L leads to overestimate DAS28. However, reducing lower reporting limit for CRP to <3 mg/L results in optimizing DAS28 calculation. Further lowering of reporting limit for CRP to <3 mg/L does not increase the precision of DAS28 owing to the relatively large intraindividual biological variation.Five hundred twelve patients were included. There was a significant difference between recalculated and patients DAS28 (P < 0.001). One hundred nine patients had DAS28 deviation (compatible to remission to low: 66, low to moderate: 39. and moderate to high: 4).Owing to significant impact of intraindividual biologic variation on DAS28 and patient classification, special attention should be paid to calculate DAS28 when CRP values are within normal range. Furthermore, we conclude that results of different studies evaluating DAS28 and treatment response are not comparable if the reporting limits of CRP are unknown.

The Reliability of Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints-C-Reactive Protein Might Be Overestimated in a Subgroup of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, When the Score Is Solely Based on Subjective Parameters: A Cross-sectional, Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28) is a scoring system to evaluate disease activity and treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A DAS28 score of greater than 3.2 is a well-described limit for treatment intensification; however, the reliability of DAS28 might be overestimated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of DAS28 in RA, especially focusing on a subgroup of patients with a DAS28 score of greater than 3.2. METHODS: Data from RA patients registered in the local part of Danish DANBIO Registry were collected in May 2015. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: First, those with DAS28 >3.2 with at least one swollen joint (SJ) or elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) ("objective group"), and second, patients with a DAS28 >3.2 who had no SJ, and CRP values were within the reference range ("subjective group"). Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints, Clinical Disease Activity Index, and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were calculated for each group. We defined new score, DAS28 subjective, to focus on subjective parameters. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty patients were included; 198 (86.1%) and 32 (13.9%) patients were in the objective and subjective groups, respectively. Patients in the subjective group had lower mean values of DAS28 (P < 0.001) and Evaluator Global Assessment (P < 0.001) with less common immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor (P < 0.001) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positivity (P = 0.02) and contrarily higher mean values of tender joints (P = 0.04) and DAS28 based on subjective parameters (P = 0.003) compared with the objective group. CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatoid arthritis scoring systems should be used cautiously in patients who are considered for treatment intensification. Patients with central sensitization and psychological problems and those with false-positive diagnosis of RA are at high risk of overtreatment.

A Rare Case of Pott's Disease (Spinal Tuberculosis) Mimicking Metastatic Disease in the Southern Region of Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Pott's disease (PD) or spinal tuberculosis is a rare condition which accounts for less than 1% of total tuberculosis (TB) cases. The incidence of PD has recently increased in Europe and the United States, mainly due to immigration; however, it is still a rare diagnosis in Scandinavian countries, and if overlooked it might lead to significant neurologic complications. CASE REPORT: A 78-year-old woman, originally from Eastern Europe, presented to the emergency department with a complaint of nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and severe back pain. On admission she was febrile and had leukocytosis and increased C-reactive protein. Initial spinal x-ray was performed and revealed osteolytic changes in the vertebral body of T11 and T12. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine illustrated spondylitis of T10, T11, and T12, with multiple paravertebral and epidural abscesses, which was suggestive of PD. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the patient's gastric fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). Based on MRI and PCR findings, standard treatment for TB was initiated. Results of the spine biopsy and culture showed colonies of MT and confirmed the diagnosis afterwards. Due to the instability of the spine and severe and continuous pain, spine-stabilizing surgery was performed. Her TB was cured after nine months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PD is an important differential diagnosis of malignancy that should be diagnosed instantly. History of exposure to TB and classic radiologic finding can help make the diagnosis.

Is Hearing Impairment Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Review.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease that affects 1% of the population. The auditory system may be involved during the course of disease; however the association of RA and hearing impairment has not been clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate published clinical reports related to hearing impairment in patients with RA. Furthermore, we discuss possible pathologies and associated factors as well as new treatment modalities. METHOD: A thorough literature search was performed using available databases including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and ComDisDome to cover all relative reports. The following keywords were used: hearing loss, hearing difficulties, hearing disorders, hearing impairment, sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, autoimmune hearing loss, drug ototoxicity, drug-induced hearing loss, hearing test, audiometry, auditory dysfunction and rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: Based on our review it can be postulated that patients with RA are at higher risk of hearing impairment compared to healthy subjects in their course of the disease. The hearing impairment in RA seems to be a multifactorial condition; however the mechanisms of injury, as well as the relative risk factors, are not completely clear. This review can aid to clarify this condition and is a guide for further evaluation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review of hearing impairment in RA.

Association of Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate.

BACKGROUND: Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) is a rare condition that occurs in elderly individuals. It can present alone or in association with various rheumatic or malignant diseases. CASE REPORT: An 83-year-old man presented with anemia, hyper-sedimentation, and pitting edema of the back of the hands. The patient complained of pain and stiffness of the shoulder and hip girdles, especially in the morning. He was previously diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. After 3 years of watchful waiting, treatment with goserelin, a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist, was started, when PSA had increased to 67.9 µg/l. About 1 year before the cancer treatment, the patient also presented with sore and swollen hands, compatible with RS3PE, which remitted after a few months of prostatic cancer treatment. Thorough laboratory evaluation was performed upon admission to the Rheumatology Department and he was referred for FDG PET/CT on suspicion of metastases of the previously diagnosed prostatic cancer. PET/CT imaging revealed increased FDG uptake in the soft tissues around the shoulders and hips, but no evidence of bone metastasis or other malignant findings. A diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) together with RS3PE syndrome was made and treatment with prednisolone 15 mg/d was started, which resulted in rapid resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of RS3PE in relation with PMR and prostatic cancer in our patient suggests a common trigger factor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of RS3PE that presented twice with 2 different diagnoses in the same patient.

Septic arthritis and subsequent fatal septic shock caused by Vibrio vulnificus infection.

Vibrio vulnificus is a rare but potential fatal bacterium that can cause severe infections. Wound infections, primary sepsis and gastroenteritis are the most common clinical features. Septic arthritis caused by V. vulnificus is an atypical presentation that has been reported in only two case reports; however, it has not been previously noted in Denmark. The authors report a case of septic arthritis caused by V. vulnificus in an immunocompromised patient. The disease progressed to severe sepsis and subsequent death within 10 h of admission.

Unique collaboration between a private college of pharmacy and a private academic health system.

Advanced experiential education represents the culmination of a pharmacy student's training, where students can apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom to real patients. Unfortunately, opportunities for students to provide the direct patient care recommended by pharmacy organizations and accrediting bodies are lacking. Additionally, academic health systems that can provide these experiences for students are experiencing hardships that have stalled the expansion of postgraduate training programs and services. Formal cooperation between unaffiliated colleges of pharmacies and academic health systems has the potential to increase the number of experiential students completing rotations in an academic environment, expand postgraduate education training programs, enhance the development of resident educators, increase research and scholarly opportunities, and expand clinical pharmacy services. This article describes the formation of a unique joint initiative between a private academic health system without a college of pharmacy and a private college of pharmacy without a hospital. The successful cultivation of the relationship has resulted in professional growth at both institutions and can be implemented at other sites around the country to synergize the efforts of academic health systems and colleges of pharmacy.

Consultant's Playbook: A Survey of Pharmacy Consultant Experiences Among Hospitals In the University HealthSystem Consortium.

PURPOSE: Our team surveyed a group of pharmacy directors to learn about their experiences with pharmacy consultants so that the directors might be able to use their consulting resources in a more effective manner. METHODS: In May 2012, the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) Pharmacy Council Financial Performance Committee developed an electronic survey that collectively measured the characteristics, goals, and methodology of historical pharmacy consultant engagements and level of satisfaction. After e-mailing the initial electronic survey, we conducted follow-up telephone interviews with respondents from July through November 2012. These interviews were designed to include questions about expected outcomes, recommendations for evaluation processes, timelines for implementing the recommendations, consultants' expenses, and insights gained. RESULTS: A total of 23 pharmacy directors responded to the initial electronic survey; their organizations had engaged at least one consultant within the previous 5 years. Data were collected for 28 consultant engagements. Subsequent telephone interviews were conducted with 20 of the 23 pharmacy directors (87%) who completed the initial electronic survey, accounting for 25 of the 28 consultant engagements (89%). CONCLUSION: Cost reduction along with revenue enhancement was most often the focus of these engagements. These engagements were also mainly within the scope of an organization-wide effort initiated by the executive board or executive team. Consultant experiences varied greatly in terms of (1) the degree to which assistance was provided to the organization, (2) benchmarking methodologies and resources, and (3) timelines for implementing the consultants' recommendations. In general, most respondents rated their consultant experience as positive and were able to provide "pearls of wisdom" or lessons learned.

Is the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia affected by the increased use of heparin for VTE prophylaxis?

BACKGROUND: The increased exposure to heparin products for thromboprophylaxis against VTE in hospitalized patients raises concerns for an increase in the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia(HIT). METHODS: We analyzed, among 90,875 patients exposed to heparin products between 2005 and 2009, the number of hematologic consultations for thrombocytopenia, requests for heparin induced antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and cases given a diagnosis of HIT by the hematology consult service. RESULTS: We observed that despite a doubling in the number of patients receiving pharmacoprophylaxis with heparin, there was no significant increase in the number of consultations for thrombocytopenia,the number of requests for HIT tests, the number of positive HIT test results, or the number of HIT diagnoses. The number of cases of HIT was low and represented < 0.1% of patients exposed to heparin. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that concerns about HIT should not be a limiting factor for the systematic implementation of heparin-based VTE prophylaxis.