Maintenance of improvement in spinal mobility, physical function and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis after 5 years in a clinical trial of adalimumab.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic pain and progressive loss of physical function with AS may adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to assess the 5-year data regarding spinal mobility, physical function and HRQoL in patients with AS who participated in the Adalimumab Trial Evaluating Long-term Efficacy and Safety for AS (ATLAS) study. METHODS: Patients received blinded adalimumab 40 mg or placebo every other week for 24 weeks, then open-label adalimumab for up to 5 years. Spinal mobility was evaluated using linear BASMI (BASMIlin). BASDAI, total back pain, CRP, BASFI, Short Form-36 and AS quality of life (ASQoL) were also assessed. Correlations between BASMIlin and clinical, functional and ASQoL outcomes after 12 weeks and after 5years of adalimumab exposure were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation. Associations were further analysed using multivariate regression. RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven patients received ≥1 dose of adalimumab; 125 of the 208 patients originally randomized to adalimumab received treatment for 5 years. Improvements in BASMIlin were sustained through 5 years, with a mean change of -0.6 from baseline in the population who completed 5 years of treatment with adalimumab. Improvements in disease activity, physical function and ASQoL were also sustained through 5 years. BASMIlin was significantly correlated with all evaluated clinical outcomes (P < 0.001). The highest correlation was with BASFI at 12 weeks (r = 0.52) and at 5 years (r = 0.65). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed this association (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment with adalimumab for up to 5 years demonstrated sustained benefits in spinal mobility, disease activity, physical function and HRQoL in patients with active AS. Spinal mobility was significantly associated with short- and long-term physical function in these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov; https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00085644.

Association between enthesitis/dactylitis resolution and patient-reported outcomes in guselkumab-treated patients with psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between enthesitis resolution (ER) and dactylitis resolution (DR) and meaningful improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among biologic-naïve patients with PsA receiving guselkumab in the DISCOVER-2 study. METHODS: Enthesitis and dactylitis, characteristic lesions of PsA, were evaluated by independent assessors using the Leeds Enthesitis Index (range, 0-6) and Dactylitis Severity Score (range, 0-60). Proportions of patients with ER or DR (score = 0) among those with score > 0 at baseline were determined at weeks 24, 52, and 100. PROs included: fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-Fatigue]), pain (0-100 visual analog scale), physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), and health-related quality of life (36-item Short-Form Health Survey physical/mental component summary [SF-36 PCS/MCS]). Meaningful responses were defined as: improvements of ≥ 4 for FACIT-Fatigue, ≥ 0.35 for HAQ-DI, and ≥ 5 for SF-36 PCS/MCS and absolute scores of ≤ 15 for minimal pain and ≤ 0.5 for normalized HAQ-DI. Associations between ER/DR status and PRO response status were tested using a Chi-square test. RESULTS: Guselkumab-treated patients with ER were more likely than those without ER to achieve minimal pain (p < 0.001), normalized HAQ-DI (p < 0.001), and PCS response (p < 0.05) at weeks 24, 52, and 100. Patients with DR were more likely than those without DR to achieve FACIT-Fatigue response at week 24 and week 52 (both p ≤ 0.01) and minimal pain at week 24 and normalized HAQ-DI at week 52 (both p ≤ 0.03). CONCLUSION: In biologic-naïve patients with active PsA treated with guselkumab, achieving ER or DR was associated with durable improvements in selected PROs, including those of high importance to patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ) NCT03158285; Registered: May 16, 2017. Key Points • At week 100, 65% and 76% of guselkumab-treated patients achieved enthesitis and dactylitis resolution (ER/DR). • Achieving ER was associated with achieving DR and vice versa through the end of study. • Achieving ER or DR was associated with durable and meaningful improvements in selected patient-reported outcomes.

Guselkumab, a Selective Interleukin-23 p19 Subunit Inhibitor, Resolves Dactylitis in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Pooled Results Through Week 52 From Two Phase 3 Studies.

OBJECTIVE: Previous analyses of pooled DISCOVER-1 and DISCOVER-2 data through Week 24 showed significantly higher rates of dactylitis resolution in patients treated with guselkumab compared with placebo. Here, we investigate associations between dactylitis resolution and other outcomes through 1 year. METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous injections of guselkumab 100 mg at Week 0, Week 4, and then every 4 or 8 weeks, or placebo with crossover to guselkumab at Week 24. Independent assessors determined dactylitis severity score (DSS; 0-3/digit; total = 0-60). Dactylitis resolution (DSS = 0) (prespecified) and at least 20%, at least 50%, and at least 70% DSS improvement from baseline (post hoc) were determined through Week 52 (nonresponder imputation for treatment failure through Week 24 and for missing data through Week 52). ACR50, tender/swollen joints, low disease activity (LDA) as assessed by composite indices, and radiographic progression (DISCOVER-2 only) were assessed in patients with dactylitis versus without dactylitis resolution at Week 24 and Week 52. RESULTS: Patients with dactylitis at baseline (473 of 1118) had more severe joint and skin disease than those without dactylitis (645 of 1118). At Week 52, approximately 75% of guselkumab-randomized patients with dactylitis at baseline had complete resolution; approximately 80% had at least 70% DSS improvement. Through Week 52, new-onset dactylitis (DSS ≥1) was uncommon among patients with a DSS of 0 at baseline. Guselkumab-randomized patients with dactylitis resolution were more likely to achieve ACR50, at least 50% reduction in tender and swollen joints, and LDA at Week 24 and Week 52 than those without resolution. At Week 52, patients with dactylitis resolution had numerically less radiographic progression from baseline (DISCOVER-2). CONCLUSION: Through 1 year, approximately 75% of guselkumab-randomized patients had complete resolution of dactylitis; patients exhibiting resolution were more likely to achieve other important clinical outcomes. Given the high burden of dactylitis, resolution may be associated with better long-term patient outcomes.

Impact of clinical domains other than arthritis on composite outcomes in psoriatic arthritis: comparison of treatment effects in the SEAM-PsA trial.

OBJECTIVE: We used the Study of Etanercept And Methotrexate in Combination or as Monotherapy in Subjects with Psoriatic Arthritis (SEAM-PsA) data set to examine the impact of presence of enthesitis, dactylitis, nail disease and/or psoriasis on treatment response in patients with early psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: This post hoc analysis evaluated the effect of baseline Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Enthesitis Index (EI), Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI), Leeds Dactylitis Index (LDI), modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) scores and body surface area (BSA) on composite outcomes of minimal disease activity (MDA) responses, Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) low disease activity (LDA), PASDAS changes and Good Responses and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) scores at Week 24. RESULTS: Overall, 851 patients completed the SEAM-PsA trial and were included in the analysis. Baseline enthesitis (SPARCC EI>0 vs SPARCC EI=0 or LEI>0 vs LEI=0) was not associated with improved outcomes. Baseline dactylitis (LDI>0 vs LDI=0) was positively associated with improved MDA (OR: 1.4, p=0.0457), PASDAS LDA (OR: 1.8, p=0.0014) and Good Responses (OR: 1.6, p=0.0101) and greater reductions in PASDAS (estimate: -0.9, p<0.0001) and DAPSA scores (estimate: -3.8, p=0.0155) at Week 24. Similarly, baseline nail disease (mNAPSI >1 vs mNAPSI≤1) was positively associated with improved MDA (OR: 1.8, p=0.0233) and PASDAS LDA (OR: 1.8, p=0.0168) responses and greater reduction in PASDAS (estimate: -0.7, p=0.0005) at Week 24. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our analysis suggest that presence of dactylitis and nail disease, but not enthesitis, are associated with improved outcomes in patients with early PsA who were treated with methotrexate and/or etanercept.

Change in psoriatic arthritis outcome measures impacts SF-36 physical and mental component scores differently: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate interplay and physical and mental component scores between change (Δ) in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) quantified by the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) retrieved from short-form health survey (SF-36), change in disease activity (ΔDAS28CRP) and manifestations of PsA. METHODS: PsA patients initiating new medical therapy were enrolled. Independent disease measures evaluating disease activity, enthesitis, psoriasis, pain and fatigue were collected at treatment initiation and after 4 months. Interplay between independent disease measures and dependent outcome measures, ΔPCS and ΔMCS, was described with univariate regression analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were applied to assess the impact of independent variables, such as individual disease outcome measures vs ΔDAS28CRP on ΔPCS and ΔMCS. RESULTS: One hundred and eight PsA patients were included. In the univariate regression analyses, improvement in fatigue, pain and disability were associated with improvement in ΔPCS (ß; -2.08, -0.18 and -13.00, respectively; all P < 0.001) and ΔMCS (ß; -1.59, -0.12 and -6.07, respectively; P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). When patient-reported outcomes were included in the final multivariate models, improvements in ΔPCS and ΔMCS were associated with improvements in pain, fatigue and disability (P < 0.001). Improvement in enthesitis impacted ΔPCS positively (ß -0.31, P < 0.001). No association was found between change in skin psoriasis, ΔPCS and ΔMCS (ß 0.15, P = 0.056 and ß 0.05, P = 0.561, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this PsA patient cohort, diminishing pain, disability and fatigue improved PCS and MCS significantly. Changes in enthesitis and psoriasis did not grossly impact HRQoL compared with DAS28CRP. Individual PsA manifestations influence HRQoL differently, which is important clinically when targeting treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02572700.

Impact of Clinical Specialty Setting and Geographic Regions on Disease Management in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis in the United States: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Information on the factors that influence treatment management decisions for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is limited. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the impact of clinical specialty setting and geographic region on the management of patients with PsA in the USA. METHODS: LOOP was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study conducted across 44 sites in the USA. Patients were aged ≥ 18 years with a suspected or established diagnosis of PsA and were routinely visiting a rheumatologist or dermatologist. All patients enrolled in the study were assessed by both a rheumatologist and a dermatologist. Primary outcomes were the times from symptom onset to PsA diagnosis; PsA diagnosis to first conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD); PsA diagnosis to first biologic DMARD (bDMARD); and first csDMARD to first bDMARD. RESULTS: Of 681 patients enrolled in the study, 513 had a confirmed diagnosis of PsA and were included in this analysis. More patients were recruited by rheumatologists (71.3%) than by dermatologists (28.7%). The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis of PsA was significantly shorter for patients enrolled by rheumatologists than for those enrolled by dermatologists (1.0 vs. 2.6 years; p < 0.001). Disease activity and burden were generally similar across enrolling specialties. However, patients in western areas of the USA had less severe disease than those in central or eastern areas, including measures of joint involvement, enthesitis, and dactylitis. CONCLUSIONS: There was a substantial delay in the time from symptom onset to diagnosis in this study population, and this was significantly longer for patients enrolled in the dermatology versus the rheumatology setting. This supports the need for collaboration across specialties to ensure faster recognition and treatment of PsA.

International Consortium for Health Outcome Measurement Set of Outcomes That Matter to People Living With Inflammatory Arthritis: Consensus From an International Working Group.

OBJECTIVE: The implementation of value-based health care in inflammatory arthritis requires a standardized set of modifiable outcomes and risk-adjustment variables that is feasible to implement worldwide. METHODS: The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) assembled a multidisciplinary working group that consisted of 24 experts from 6 continents, including 6 patient representatives, to develop a standard set of outcomes for inflammatory arthritis. The process followed a structured approach, using a modified Delphi process to reach consensus on the following decision areas: conditions covered by the set, outcome domains, outcome measures, and risk-adjustment variables. Consensus in areas 2 to 4 were supported by systematic literature reviews and consultation of experts. RESULTS: The ICHOM Inflammatory Arthritis Standard Set covers patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We recommend that outcomes regarding pain, fatigue, activity limitations, overall physical and mental health impact, work/school/housework ability and productivity, disease activity, and serious adverse events be collected at least annually. Validated measures for patient-reported outcomes were endorsed and linked to common reporting metrics. Age, sex at birth, education level, smoking status, comorbidities, time since diagnosis, and rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibody lab testing for RA and JIA should be collected as risk-adjustment variables. CONCLUSION: We present the ICHOM inflammatory arthritis Standard Set of outcomes, which enables health care providers to implement the value-based health care framework and compare outcomes that are important to patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Identifying the clinical domains of fibromyalgia: contributions from clinician and patient Delphi exercises.

OBJECTIVE: In evaluating the effectiveness of fibromyalgia (FM) therapies, it is important to assess the impact of those therapies on the full array of domains considered important by both clinicians and patients. The objective of this research was to identify and prioritize the key clinically relevant and important domains impacted by FM that should be evaluated by outcome assessment instruments used in FM clinical trials, and to approach consensus among clinicians and patients on the priority of those domains to be assessed in clinical care and research. METHODS: Group consensus was achieved using the Delphi method, a structured process of consensus building via questionnaires together with systematic and controlled opinion feedback. The Delphi exercises involved 23 clinicians with expertise in FM and 100 patients with FM as defined by American College of Rheumatology criteria. RESULTS: The Delphi exercise revealed that the domains ranked most highly by patients were similar to the domain rankings by clinicians. Pain was consistently ranked highest by both panels. Fatigue, impact on sleep, health-related quality of life, comorbid depression, and cognitive difficulty were also ranked highly. Stiffness was ranked highly by patients but not clinicians. In contrast, side effects was important to clinicians but was not identified as important in the patient Delphi exercise. CONCLUSION: The clinician and patient Delphi exercises identified and ranked key domains that need to be assessed in FM research. Based on these results, a conceptual framework for measuring patient-reported outcomes is proposed.

Pneumococcal vaccine response in psoriatic arthritis patients during treatment with etanercept.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutics used to treat inflammatory diseases, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), may potentially interfere with normal immune system function. Immune system function can be assessed by evaluating response to vaccination. We assessed the ability of patients with PsA treated with etanercept to produce antibodies in response to pneumococcal antigen challenge. METHODS: Patients with PsA (n = 205) were stratified by methotrexate (MTX) use and randomly assigned to receive either placebo or etanercept 25 mg twice weekly by subcutaneous injection. After 4 weeks of treatment with study drug, a 23-valent pneumococcal vaccination was administered. Antibody levels to 5 antigens (9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) were measured by ELISA before and 4 weeks after vaccination in 184 patients. The proportion (%) of patients with 2- and 4-fold increases in antibody titers was analyzed. RESULTS: Patients treated with etanercept or placebo had similar responses to the vaccine. A 2-fold increase in titer to at least 2 antigens was achieved by 67% of patients, and a 4-fold increase to at least 2 antigens was achieved by 47% of patients. Approximately 20% of patients in each group failed to show a 2-fold response to any antigens. Logistic regression analysis showed MTX use and age were predictors of a poor response. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PsA treated with etanercept were able to produce antibodies in response to pneumococcal vaccination. Patients receiving MTX had lower mean antibody levels in response to the vaccine. There was no increased risk of poor response with etanercept treatment given alone or with MTX.