Comparison of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients in Malaysia

Aim of the workThis study aimed to compare the clinical features, associated comorbidities and treatment patterns of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patient to those with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in Malaysia.Patients and methodsThis study was conducted in multiple rheumatology centre in Malaysia. Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) were included. The AS and nr-axSpA group were compared.ResultsA total of 302 AS patients and 43 nr-axSpA patients were included. The age was comparable (41.7 ± 12.4 vs 38.5 ± 14.3 years; p = 0.13) however the male:female in those with AS was 4.8:1 vs 1.2:1 (p < 0.0001). The diagnostic delay was longer in AS patients (6.04 ± 6.6 vs 3.4 ± 7.3; p = 0.03), more were frequently smoking (50.3 % vs 25.6 %; p = 0.003), were Chinese (56.6 % vs 37.2 %; p = 0.02), had a higher frequency of HLA-B27 (p < 0.0001) and family history of axSpA (p = 0.04).More AS patients experienced inflammatory back pain (p < 0.0001), had higher Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) (p < 0.0001) and Bath AS functional index (BASFI) (p = 0.04). Nr-axSpA patients more likely to experience dactylitis (16.3 % vs 5.6 %; p = 0.014) but no significant differences in frequency of enthesitis. The frequency of comorbidities was similar in both groups. The use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs was more frequent in AS (p = 0.038) while nr-axSpA patients more likely to receive conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drug (p = 0.002).ConclusionAS and nr-axSpA shared some characteristics but also had some significant difference especially on gender, inflammatory back pain and HLA-B27. This study offers a better understanding of both the subtypes of axSpA in Malaysia.     

Short term effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints progression in axial spondyloarthritis patients

Aim of the workTo evaluate the short term effect of maximally tolerated dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on disease activity and radiographic progression of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients.Patients and methodsA six-week prospective study on thirty patients with active axSpA. All patients were assessed at baseline visit, a follow-up visit after 2 weeks, and 6 weeks of treatment with a maximally tolerated dose of NSAID. Disease activity was assessed by determining Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and functional assessment by using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Spinal mobility was assessed by the mean improvement in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of sacroiliac joints (SIJs) was taken at baseline and at the end of the study and was evaluated according to Berlin scoring method.ResultsImprovement in laboratory activity markers and all disease activity scores has been observed at week 6 of maximally tolerated dose of NSAIDs which were significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, ASDAS clinically important improvement was achieved in 63.3% of patients, and BASDAI50 was achieved in 30% and 56.7% of patients at week 2 and week 6, respectively. Furthermore, Berlin score showed an improvement by 14.2% with a reduction in bone marrow edema signal intensity of SIJs in 40% of patients.ConclusionIn Egyptian cohort of patients with axSpA, intake of maximally tolerated dose of NSAID could improve the health-related quality of life, disease activity scores, and sacroiliac joint inflammation on MRI.     

中轴型脊柱关节炎患者临床达标和影像学缓解的现状调查及影响因素分析

目的 调查中轴型脊柱关节炎（axSpA）患者临床达标和影像学缓解的现状并分析其影响因素。方法 根据既往治疗方案、基于C反应蛋白（CRP）计算的强直性脊柱炎疾病活动度评分（ASDAScrp）及加拿大脊柱关节炎研究协会（SPARCC）评分，分别对233例axSpA患者进行分组并比较其临床资料。采用多因素logistic回归分析评估axSpA患者临床达标和影像学缓解的影响因素。结果 axSpA患者临床达标率为25.3%，临床达标组影像学未缓解率（32.2%）低于临床未达标组（56.3%，P<0.05）。临床达标组CRP低于临床未达标组，接受抗肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α治疗患者比例高于临床未达标组（P<0.05）。影像学缓解组ASDAScrp低于影像学未缓解组，接受抗TNF-α治疗患者比例高于影像学未缓解组（P<0.05）。未正规治疗组患者临床达标率和影像学缓解率均低于抗TNF-α治疗组（P<0.05）。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示，CRP升高是axSpA患者临床未达标的危险因素（P<0.001）；ASDAScrp升高是axSpA患者影像学未缓解的危险因素（P<0.05）；抗TNF-α治疗既是axSpA患者临床达标也是其影像学缓解的保护因素（P<0.05）。结论axSpA患者的治疗达标率仍偏低。CRP和ASDAScrp升高分别为axSpA临床未达标和影像未学缓解的危险因素，而抗TNF-α治疗可促进其临床达标和影像学缓解。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the axial skeleton in rheumatoid disease

The axial skeleton is a target for both spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While conventional radiography allows the clear documentation of the late stages of inflammatory changes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive enough to depict early inflammatory lesions. It is, therefore, of particular importance for radiologists and clinicians to know the MRI appearances of inflammatory changes of the axial skeleton in rheumatoid diseases. Typical lesions in ankylosing spondylitis and related conditions comprise spondylitis (Romanus lesion), spondylodiscitis (Andersson lesion), arthritis of the apophyseal joints, the costovertebral and costotransverse joints, and insufficiency fractures of the ankylosed vertebral spine (non-inflammatory type of Andersson lesion). Sacroiliitis is associated with chronic changes such as sclerosis, erosions, transarticular bone bridges, periarticular accumulation of fatty tissue and ankylosis. In addition, acute findings include capsulitis, juxta-articular osteitis and the enhancement of the joint space after contrast medium administration. Another important sign of spondyloarthritis is enthesitis, which affects the interspinal and supraspinal ligaments of the vertebral spine and the interosseous ligaments in the retroarticular space of the sacroiliac joints. The main site of manifestation of spinal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is the cervical spine. Typical changes are the destruction of the atlantoaxial complex by pannus tissue with subsequent atlantoaxial subluxation, basilar impression and erosion of the dens axis. Changes in the lower segments of the cervical spine are destruction of the apophyseal joints resulting in the so-called stepladder phenomenon. Because of the uniform response of the discovertebral complex to different noxae, a number of different conditions must be distinguished on the basis of the patient's clinical findings and history in combination with their imaging appearance. These conditions comprise degenerative disc disease, septic spondylodiscitis, Scheuermann's disease, Paget's disease and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).     

Clinical,radiological, and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of axial spondyloarthritis with late onset

We aimed to investigate the clinical, diagnostic, and imaging features of patients with late onset axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) with initial symptom manifestation aged over 45 years.Participants with axial SpA were consecutively recruited. Clinical, demographic, blood, and imaging parameters were compared between the groups with early (≤45 years) and late onset (>45 years) at a cross-sectional level. Logistic regressions were used to determine the independent associations with axial SpA with late onset.A total of 455 participants were recruited. Among them, 70 (15.4%) had late onset disease. Multivariate analyses showed that axial SpA with late onset was associated with higher C-reactive protein based ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (ASDAS-CRP) (B = 0.10; P = .04), higher intensity of spinal inflammation as measured by maximum apparent diffusion coefficient (spinal ADC max) (B = 0.27; P = .03) and mean ADC (spinal ADC mean) (B = 0.30; P = .004), lower modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) (B = –0.12; P = .02), more tender joint count (B = 0.12; P = .02), and fewer inflammatory back pain (IBP) (OR = 0.26; P < .001).Axial SpA with late onset had higher clinical disease activity, higher intensity of spinal MRI inflammation, less radiographic damage, and more tender joint count. There was also less inflammatory back pain, which could make the diagnosis more difficult.     

Therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of infliximab in active systemic lupus erythematosus

Since levels of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are significantly increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may be involved in the disease pathogenesis, we report on the safety and efficacy of infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against TNFα, given to a patient with difficult-to-treat active nonrenal SLE. This patient, who failed to remit with full doses of glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and azathioprine, went into sustained remission with the addition of infliximab infusions. Glucocorticoids could be tapered off completely.     

Ilium osteitis as the main manifestation of the SAPHO syndrome: response to infliximab therapy and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy in the SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome. We describe 2 new cases with ilium osteitis as the main SAPHO syndrome feature and review reported cases treated with anti-TNF-alpha. METHODS: A literature search of SAPHO syndrome cases treated with TNF-alpha blocking therapy with special emphasis on osteoarticular and skin responses was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen cases were identified: 17 SAPHO syndrome and 1 chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, a juvenile variant of SAPHO syndrome. Sixteen were reported cases and 2 were nonreported cases seen in our arthritis unit. Sixteen patients received infliximab and 2 received etanercept, with an early, sustained clinical improvement in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF-alpha therapies are effective treatment for patients with refractory SAPHO syndrome, not only for cutaneous lesions but also for persistent bone lesions such as osteitis.     

Two years follow-up of golimumab treatment in refractory enteropathic spondyloarthritis patients with Crohn disease: A STROBE-compliant study

Golimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and not for Crohn disease (CD). Many CD patients experience primary, secondary failure, or intolerance to other TNF inhibitors (TNFi) approved in Italy for CD (adalimumab and infliximab). Spondyloarthritis (SpA) may be associated with CD (enteropathic, ESpA) in up to 50% of patients requiring a multidisciplinary and tailored approach. However, only few data from literature and no formal trials determined the efficacy and safety of golimumab in ESpA patients. We performed a case series on 12 patients affected by active CD and active ESpA were failure or intolerant to previous TNFi approved in Italy for both SpA and CD, infliximab and adalimumab. Golimumab was administered following rheumatologic dosage (subcutaneous 50 mg monthly; 100 mg monthly for patients ≥100 kg). Gastrointestinal and rheumatologic disease activity was evaluated with a follow-up of 2 years. A total of 9 patients were followed for 2 years of golimumab treatment. CD clinical activity ameliorated as shown by the reduction of Harvey–Bradshaw index and Crohn disease activity index (CDAI) at 12 and 24 months of treatment (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively) associated with reduction of C-reactive protein at 12 and 24 months (P = .04 for both comparisons) of treatment. SpA assessment revealed a significant reduction in tender joint count at 6 (P = .03), 12 (P = .03), and 24 months (P = .007) of treatment. Swollen joint count, pain, SpA disease activity, and disability reduced in several patients during the follow-up. No adverse events were registered in the follow-up. We demonstrate good clinical efficacy and safety profile of both gastrointestinal and rheumatologic involvement. This may indicate promising therapeutic option for ESpA patients affected by CD, and non-responsive to other TNFi.     

Inflammatory and structural evaluation in spondyloarthritis: magnetic resonance imaging analysis of axial and peripheral involvement

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria of most value in the assessment of patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) with axial or peripheral involvement. METHODS: Fat suppressed (FS)-T2 and pre- and postinjection FS-T1 images were obtained in the most symptomatic region (axial or peripheral) of patients requiring tumor necrosis factor-a blockers. Thirty-eight MRI (21 axial and 17 peripheral) were blindly scored at synovial (S) and entheseal (E) sites by 2 experienced observers screening for 7 inflammatory and 7 structural predefined criteria, which were evaluated for frequency (N) and intra- and interobserver reproducibility. RESULTS: In peripheral regions, synovitis (S; N = 69.4%), ligament inflammation (E; N = 39.7%), bone marrow edema (S; N = 22.1%; E; N = 15%), and tenosynovitis (S; N = 21%) were recorded with good to excellent intraobserver reproducibility [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.49-0.93] and moderate to good interobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.49-0.66). With regard to structural criteria, erosions (S; N = 17.1%) and enthesophytes (E; N = 13.9%) exhibited good to excellent intraobserver (ICC 0.71-0.85) and moderate interobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.54-0.49); the reproducibility of fat inflation (N = 1.4%) was good (ICC 0.76-0.78). In axial regions, no inflammatory criteria achieved good interobserver reproducibility. However, fat inflation (S; N = 86%), chondral lesions (S; N = 85.8%), enthesophytes (E; N = 76.7%), fusion (S; N = 41.2%), and erosions (S; N = 25.1%) showed excellent intraobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.81-0.98), and moderate to excellent interobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.50-0.96). CONCLUSION: In terms of intra- and interobserver reproducibility, MRI is a reliable tool with which to assess synovitis, bone edema, ligament inflammation, tenosynovitis, erosion, enthesophytes, and fat inflation in patients with peripheral involvement. In those with axial involvement, inflammatory criteria lack interobserver reproducibility, but chondral lesions, erosion, fat inflation, fusion, and enthesophytes are relevant.     

Response of early active rheumatoid arthritis to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging

Inflammatory changes (synovitis and bone marrow edema) and destructive changes (bone erosion) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and their relations with disease activity were assessed during treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Ten patients with early active RA underwent MRI at 0 and 16 weeks of TNF-inhibitor treatment. The carpal bones of the dominant hand were evaluated by the outcome measures in rheumatology clinical trials MRI score for RA. After 16 weeks, the mean disease activity score (DAS 28) decreased significantly from 5.54 to 2.70, while the number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, and inflammatory parameters were also significantly improved. The mean synovitis and marrow edema scores determined by MRI showed a significant decrease from 6.1 to 2.2 and 12.8 to 6.2, respectively, while the annual bone-erosion progression score decreased from 12.6 to 2.0. Although synovitis persisted in some patients, imaging remission was achieved in two patients. In conclusion, TNF-inhibitor therapy achieved an early decrease of disease activity and MRI revealed amelioration of joint destruction. The MRI score for RA is useful for assessing the early response to TNF inhibitors.     

Effectiveness and persistence of golimumab as a second biological drug in patients with spondyloarthritis: A retrospective study

This observational, longitudinal retrospective, noncomparative study was designed to assess the persistence and effectiveness of golimumab as a second anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drug in patients with spondyloarthritis requiring discontinuation from a first anti-TNF drug.Data were collected retrospectively for all patients with axial spondyloarthritis or psoriatic arthritis from 20 rheumatology clinics in Spain who started golimumab as a second anti-TNF drug between January 2013 and December 2015. Golimumab persistence was assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and associated factors were assessed with Cox regression analysis.210 patients started golimumab as a second anti-TNF drug: 131 with axial spondyloarthritis and 79 with psoriatic arthritis. In axial spondyloarthritis patients, the mean (standard deviation) Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score at baseline was 5.5 (2.1), decreasing to 3.9 (2.0) at month 3 and 3.5 (2.0) at year 1, and remaining stable thereafter. In psoriatic arthritis patients, mean (standard deviation) baseline Disease Activity Score was 4.0 (1.3), reducing to 2.5 (1.2) at month 3 and to 2.2 (1.3) at year 1. Corresponding improvements were recorded from baseline in C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. The probability of persistence of treatment with golimumab was 80% at year 1, 70% at year 2 and 65% at years 3 and year 4, and was similar in those who had stopped the first anti-TNF due to loss of efficacy or other reasons. Cox regression analysis showed that the probability of survival with golimumab was higher in patients with higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, in patients with axial spondyloarthritis than with psoriatic arthritis, and in those who had discontinued adalimumab as first anti-TNF. Seventy-two patients (34.3%) discontinued golimumab during follow-up, 50 of them due to lack of efficacy.In patients with spondyloarthritis requiring discontinuation from a first anti-TNF drug, treatment with golimumab was effective and showed a high probability of persistence up to 4 years of treatment.