Patients with longstanding psoriatic arthritis can achieve DAPSA remission or low disease activity and it correlates to better functional outcomes: results from a Latin-American real-life cohort

Abstract Background Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience reduced physical function and impaired quality of life. Better patient-reported functional outcomes are found when lower disease activity is achieved. Objectives To evaluate the variation of physical function by HAQ-DI over time in PsA patients treated with standard therapy in a real-life setting: to verify predictors of achieving a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in function by HAQ-DI (ΔHAQ-DI ≤ − 0.35) and to measure the impact of achieving REM/LDA on long-term function by HAQ-DI. Methods This is a longitudinal analysis of a real-life retrospective cohort. Data from PsA patients with at least 4 years of follow-up in the PsA clinic from 2011 to 2019 were extracted from electronic medical records. The variations of physical function by HAQ-DI and disease activity by DAPSA over time were calculated. A multivariate hierarchical regression model was applied to verify predictors of MCID in HAQ-DI. A comparison of HAQ-DI variation between patients with DAPSA REM, LDA, moderate and high disease activity was made using the generalized estimating equation model (GEE), adjusted by Bonferroni test. The Spearman correlation method was applied to verify the correlation of ΔDAPSA and ΔHAQ-DI over time. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS program version 21.0. Results Seventy-three patients were included in the analysis. Physical function measured by HAQ-DI was determined by PsA disease activity measured by DAPSA (p < 0.000). A moderate and statistically significant correlation between ΔDAPSA and ΔHAQ-DI was observed (rs = 0.60; p < 0.001). Only patients in DAPSA REM demonstrated a constant decline in HAQ-DI scores during the follow-up. White ethnicity and older age at baseline were predictors for not achieving MCID in HAQ-DI [RR 0.33 (0.16-0.6795% CI p = 0.002) and RR 0.96 (0.93-0.9895% CI p < 0.000), respectively, while higher scores of HAQ-DI at baseline were predictors of achieving MCID [RR 1.71 (1.12-2.6095%CI p = 0.013)]. Conclusion In PsA, patients who maintained DAPSA REM/LDA over time had better long-term functional outcomes. Higher HAQ-DI scores at baseline, non-white ethnicity and younger age were predictors for achieving a clinical meaningful improvement of HAQ-DI.

Ambulatório conjunto de dermatologia e reumatologia para tratamento de psoríase e artrite psoriásica: experiência de um hospital terciário do sul do Brasil / Combined dermatology and rheumatology outpatient clinic for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a Southern Brazilian experience

Introdução: Diversas diretrizes enfatizam as vantagens do manejo multidisciplinar no cuidado ao paciente com psoríase (PSO) e artrite psoriásica (PSA). O diagnóstico precoce de PSA se relaciona com melhores desfechos em 5 anos. No entanto, o diagnóstico precoce de PSA ainda é um desafio. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo de pacientes com diagnóstico prévio ou suspeito de PSO e/ou PSA atendidos em ambulatório conjunto de dermatologia e reumatologia do sul do Brasil de janeiro de 2013 a janeiro de 2017. Resultados: Entre os 55 pacientes previamente diagnosticados com PSO, 30,9% (n = 17) foram diagnosticados com PSA. Alterações do tratamento foram feitas em 58,5% (n = 48) dos pacientes, principalmente devido ao mau controle da pele e das articulações. Os imunobiológicos foram a classe de medicamentos mais comumente iniciada, correspondendo a 35,4% (n = 17) das modificações terapêuticas. O metotrexato foi o segundo medicamento mais comumente iniciado (18,8%, n = 9) ou com modificação da dose ou via de administração (20,8%, n = 10), totalizando 39,6% (n = 19) de modificações terapêuticas. Houve um aumento na proporção de pacientes em uso de tratamento sistêmico (79,3%, n = 65). Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a importância da abordagem multidisciplinar no diagnóstico precoce da PSA e demonstra que a abordagem conjunta entre dermatologia e reumatologia é possível de ser realizada no Brasil, com resultados semelhantes aos reportados na literatura internacional. (AU)

Introduction: Several guidelines emphasize the advantages of multidisciplinary management of patients with psoriasis (PSO) or psoriatic arthritis (PSA). Early diagnosis of PSA is associated with better outcomes in 5 years. However, early diagnosis of PSA remains a challenge. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with previous or suspected diagnosis of PSO and/or PSA treated at a combined dermatology and rheumatology outpatient clinic in southern Brazil from January 2013 to January 2017. Results: Of 55 patients previously diagnosed with PSO, 30.9% (n = 17) were diagnosed with PSA. Changes in treatment were made in 58.5% (n = 48) of patients, mainly due to poor control of cutaneous and articular symptoms. Immunobiological agents were the most commonly prescribed class of drugs, corresponding to 35.4% (n = 17) of changes in medical therapy. Methotrexate was the second most commonly prescribed drug (18.8%; n = 9) and the second drug to undergo most changes in dose or route of administration (20.8%; n = 10), accounting for 39.6% (n = 19) of changes in medical therapy. There was an increase in the number of patients undergoing systemic therapies (79.3%; n = 65). Conclusions: This study reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the early diagnosis of PSA and demonstrates that a collaborative approach between dermatology and rheumatology is feasible in Brazil, with outcomes similar to those reported in the international literature. (AU)

Ultrasonographic and resistance index evaluation of nails in psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and control groups: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Nail psoriasis occurs frequently in patients with psoriatic disease, it can lead to functional impairment, pain, discomfort, decreased quality of life and can also be a predictor for the development of arthritis. Early recognition of this condition can provide early and effective treatment and prevent structural impairment. This study aims to identify nail ultrasonographic characteristics in three groups: psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and controls patients, to determine if the ultrasonography (US) can identify early signs of nail psoriatic impairment or local inflammation. We conducted nail US to determine nail matrix resistance index (NMRI), nail bed resistance index (NBRI), and power Doppler (PD) and grayscale (GS) parameters in these 3 groups. Methods: Single-center, cross-sectional study. GS, PD, and spectral doppler images of bilateral 2nd and 3rd fingernails were acquired from 35 PsO, 31 PsA, and 35 controls patients. An US equipment with an 18 MHz linear transducer for GS and 8.0 MHz for PD was used. PD, NMRI, NBRI, nail plate thickness (NPT), nail bed thickness (NBT), nail matrix thickness (NMT), and morphostructural characteristics of the trilaminar structure (TS) were evaluated in saved images, blind. Results: Mean NMRI and NBRI did not differ between groups. Linear regression analysis detected no relationships between PsO or PsA and NMRI or NBRI. Nail PD grade did not differ between groups. Type I and IV TS changes were more frequent in PsO; types II and III changes were more frequent in PsA (p < 0.001). NPT was greater in PsA and PsO groups than controls: PsA 0.73 ± 0.14 mm, PsO 0.72 ± 0.15 mm, Controls 0.67 ± 0.10mm (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Echographic TS characteristics of the nail plate and NPT evaluated by GS are useful and can distinguish PsO and PsA nails from controls. NMRI, NBRI, and US nail microcirculation parameters could not distinguish psoriatic nails. Trial registration: 72762317.4.0000.5327 (Certificate of Presentation of Ethical Appreciation - CAAE -Plataforma Brasil) Avaiable in https://plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br/login.jsf

Brazilian recommendations for the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Abstract Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of chronic inflammatory systemic diseases characterized by axial and/or peripheral joints inflammation, as well as extra-articular manifestations. Over some decades, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been the basis for the pharmacological treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). However, the emergence of the immunobiologic agents brought up the discussion about the role of NSAIDs in the management of these patients. The objective of this guideline is to provide recommendations for the use of NSAIDs for the treatment of axSpA. A panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials for 15 predefined questions. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations were used, and at least 70% agreement of the voting panel was needed. Fourteen recommendations for the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of patients with axSpA were elaborated. The purpose of these recommendations is to support clinicians' decision making, without taking out his/her autonomy when prescribing for an individual patient.(AU)

The Brazilian Society of Rheumatology guidelines for axial spondyloarthritis - 2019

Abstract Spondyloarthritis is a group of chronic inflammatory systemic diseases characterized by axial and/or peripheral joints inflammation, as well as extra-articular manifestations. The classification axial spondyloarthritis is adopted when the spine and/or the sacroiliac joints are predominantly involved. This version of recommendations replaces the previous guidelines published in May 2013. A systematic literature review was performed, and two hundred thirty-seven studies were selected and used to formulate 29 recommendations answering 15 clinical questions, which were divided into four sections: diagnosis, non-pharmacological therapy, conventional drug therapy and biological therapy. For each recommendation the level of evidence supporting (highest available), the strength grade according to Oxford, and the degree of expert agreement (inter-rater reliability) is informed. These guidelines bring evidence-based information on clinical management of axial SpA patients, including, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Incidence of tuberculosis infection in spondyloarthritis patients treated with biological and conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in an endemic area

Introduction: Registries of spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients' follow-up provided evidence that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) increase the incidence of active tuberculosis infection (TB). However, most of these registries are from low burden TB areas. Few studies evaluated the safety of biologic agents in TB endemic areas. This study compares the TB incidence rate (TB IR) in anti-TNF-naïve and anti-TNF-experienced subjects with SpA in a high TB incidence setting.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records from patients attending a SpA clinic during 13 years (2004 to 2016) in a university hospital were reviewed. The TB IR was calculated and expressed as number of events per 105 patients/year; the incidence rate ratio (IRR) associated with the use of TNFi was calculated.Results: A total of 277 patients, 173 anti-TNF-naïve and 104 anti-TNF-experienced subjects, were evaluated; 35.7% (N = 35) of patients who were prescribed an anti-TNF drug were diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Total follow-up time (person-years) was 1667.8 for anti-TNF-naïve and 394.9 for anti-TNF-experienced patients. TB IR (95% CI) was 299.8 (37.4-562.2) for anti-TNF naïve and 1012.9 (25.3-2000.5) for anti-TNF experienced subjects. The IRR associated with the use of TNFi was 10.4 (2.3- 47.9).Conclusions: In this high TB incidence setting, SpA patients exposed to anti-TNF therapy had a higher incidence of TB compared to anti-TNF-naïve subjects, although the TB incidence in the control group was significant.(AU)

Correlation of enthesitis indices with disease activity and function in axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis: a crosssectional study comparing MASES, SPARCC and LEI

Abstract Background: The presence of enthesitis is associated with higher disease activity, more disability and incapacity to work and a poorer quality of life in spondyloarthritis (SpA). There is currently no consensus on which clinical score should be used to assess enthesitis in SpA. The objective of the present work was to compare the correlation of three enthesitis indices (MASES, SPARCC and LEI) with measures of disease activity and function in a heterogeneous population of patients with axial and peripheral SpA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Brazilian public university hospitals; patients fulfilling ASAS classification criteria for peripheral or axial SpA were recruited and measures of disease activity and function were collected and correlated to three enthesitis indices: MASES, SPARCC and LEI using Spearman's Correlation index. ROC curves were used to determine if the the enthesitis indices were useful to discriminate patients with active disease from those with inactive disease. Results: Two hundred four patients were included, 71.1% (N = 145) fulfilled ASAS criteria for axial SpA and 28.9% (N = 59) for peripheral SpA. In axial SpA, MASES performed better than LEI (p = 0.018) and equal to SPARCC (p = 0.212) regarding correlation with disease activity (BASDAI) and function (BASFI). In peripheral SpA, only MASES had a weak but statistical significant correlation with DAS28-ESR (rs 0.310 p = 0.05) and MASES had better correlation with functional measures (HAQ) than SPARCC (p = 0.034). Conclusion: In this sample composed of SpA patients with high coexistence of axial and peripheral features, MASES showed statistical significant correlation with measures of disease activity and function in both axial and peripheral SpA.(AU)