The plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) does not have any correlation with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

We performed this study to measure the Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasma level and to survey its correlation with disease activity in the newly diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and those who were under treatment with the combination of Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) plus Prednisolone (PSL).We enrolled 30 newly diagnosed RA patients who received no treatment regarding their disease, 30 patients under treatment with the combination of Methotrexate (MTX) + Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) + PSL and 30 healthy subjects in this case-control study from September 2017 to December 2017. The level of plasma TNF-α was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in each group. For assessment of disease severity, we used Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) formula, and regarding DAS-28, we divided patients into four groups, including remission, low, moderate and high disease activity. There were no significant differences in the plasma level of TNF-α between the newly diagnosed RA patients and subjects who received MTX + HCQ + PSL, as well as healthy controls (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between plasma levels of TNF-α and DAS-28 in the newly diagnosed patients with RA (r = 0.594, P = 0.001). Targeting TNF-α at the early stage of RA could have more beneficial effects on the amelioration of disease activity

Tocilizumab for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a single-center case series

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest chronic rheumatic disease among children. When not treated effectively, JIA can lead to functional disability, due to joint damage, along with long-term morbidities. OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of tocilizumab therapy for 11 patients with polyarticular JIA (pJIA) and systemic JIA (sJIA) who presented inadequate response or were refractory to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or other biological therapies; and to evaluate its benefits, safety and tolerability. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational retrospective case series at a tertiary-level training and research hospital. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 11 consecutive patients with JIA who received tocilizumab (anti-IL-6) therapy in our pediatric nephrology and rheumatology outpatient clinic. We analyzed their demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment response and adverse reactions. We determined the efficacy of tocilizumab treatment using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) pediatric (Pedi) response criteria, including ACR Pedi 30, 50, 70 and 90 scores. We used the Wilcoxon test to compare measurements before and after treatment. RESULTS: Tocilizumab was given to seven patients with sJIA and four with pJIA (one of the pJIA patients was rheumatoid factor-positive). In most patients, we observed improvement of symptoms, absence of articular and extra-articular inflammation and continued inactive disease. ACR Pedi 30, 50 and 70 scores were achieved by 90.9% of the patients. Five patients showed minor side effects, possibly due to use of tocilizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab therapy should be considered for treating patients with diagnoses of pJIA or sJIA who are resistant to non-biological DMARDs and/or other biological therapies.

Trends in hospital consumption of analgesics after the implementation of a pain performance improvement plan / Tendências no consumo hospitalar de analgésicos após a implantação de plano de melhoria do controle da dor

Abstract Background: Pain management committee established a pain performance improvement plan in 2012. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the trends in analgesic consumption in a tertiary teaching hospital and the associated economic impact. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted between 2011 and 2015. The analysis included: anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products non-steroids, opioid analgesics and other analgesics and antipyretics. Data are converted into DDD/100 bed-days to analyze consumption trends. Main outcome measure: assessment of the analgesic consumption after the implementation of a pain performance improvement plan. Results: Overall, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products consumption decreased in 24.8 DDD/100 bed-days (-28.3%), accounting for most of the total analgesic consumption decrease (-13%) and total cost (-44.3%). Opioid consumption increased markedly from 22.3 DDD/100 bed-days in 2011 to 26.5 DDD/100 bed-days in 2015 (+18.9%). In 2011, the most consumed opioid was morphine (8.6 DDD/100 bed-days). However, there was an increasing trend in fentanyl consumption (from 8.1 to 12.1 DDD/100 bed-days in 2015), which resulted in fentanyl replacing morphine from the most consumed opioid in 2015 (12.1 DDD/100 bed-days). In 2015, the group of other analgesics and antipyretics represented 46.2% of the total analgesic consumption. Acetaminophen was the most commonly consumed analgesic drug (53.2 DDD/100 bed-days in 2015) and had the highest total cost, it represented 55.4% of the overall cost in 2015. Conclusion: Opioid consumption showed an increasing trend during the 5 year period, with fentanyl replacing morphine as the most used opioid. In general, analgesics diminished use was due to the decreasing trend of consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products.

Resumo Justificativa: A Comissão para o Manejo da Dor estabeleceu um plano de melhoria no controle da dor em 2012. Objetivo: Avaliar as tendências do consumo de analgésicos em um hospital de ensino terciário e o impacto econômico associado. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, feito entre 2011 e 2015. A análise incluiu: produtos anti-inflamatórios e antirreumáticos não esteroides, analgésicos opioides e outros analgésicos e antipiréticos. Os dados foram convertidos em DDD/100 leitos-dia para analisar as tendências de consumo. Principal medida do desfecho: avaliação do consumo de analgésicos após o estabelecimento de um plano de melhoria no controle da dor. Resultados: O consumo total de produtos anti-inflamatórios e antirreumáticos não esteroides diminuiu em 24,8 DDD/100 leitos-dia (-28,3%), representando a maior parte da redução total do consumo de analgésicos (-13%) e o custo total (-44,3%). O consumo global de opioides aumentou acentuadamente de 22,3 DDD/100 leitos-dia em 2011 para 26,5 DDD/100 leitos-dia em 2015 (+18,9%). Em 2011, o opioide mais consumido foi a morfina (8,6 DDD/100 leitos-dia). No entanto, houve uma tendência crescente no consumo de fentanil (de 8,1 para 12,1 DDD/100 leitos-dia em 2015), o que resultou na substituição de morfina por fentanil como o opioide mais consumido em 2015 (12,1 DDD/100 leitos-dia). Em 2015, o grupo dos outros analgésicos e antipiréticos representou 46,2% do consumo total de analgésicos. Acetaminofeno foi o analgésico mais consumido (53,2 DDD/100 leitos-dia em 2015) e teve o maior custo total, representou 55,4% do custo total em 2015. Conclusão: O consumo de opioides mostrou uma tendência crescente durante o período de cinco anos, fentanil substituiu morfina como o opioide mais usado. Em geral, o uso diminuído de analgésicos foi devido à tendência decrescente do consumo de produtos anti-inflamatórios e antirreumáticos não esteroides.

Perfil de gastos com o tratamento da Artrite Reumatoide para pacientes do Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2008 a 2013 / Profile of spending on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis for patients of the Unified Health System in the state of Minas Gerais - 2008-2013

Resumo A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença crônica que afeta cerca de 1% da população adulta. No estudo de coorte histórica de pacientes de Minas Gerais, registrados no Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais (SIA), em 2008-2013, foram identificados 11.573 indivíduos. A perspectiva foi a do financiador público e os valores observados como gastos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) foram ajustados pelo Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo (IPCA), de dezembro de 2015. O Etanercept foi o tratamento mais caro. A análise múltipla mostrou uma relação negativa entre o aumento das despesas e idade, sexo feminino e diagnóstico de entrada na coorte, e relação positiva para as variáveis Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M) e o uso de medicamentos bloqueadores do fator de necrose tumoral (ANTI-TNF). Este estudo identificou os fatores que têm impacto sobre o gasto com o tratamento medicamentoso da AR. Também apontou que métodos que permitem extrair dados demográficos e de gastos de sistemas de informação administrativos podem ser ferramentas importantes na construção de estudos econômicos capazes de subsidiar as avaliações econômicas de saúde, especialmente do ponto de vista da gestão.

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that affects about 1% of the adult population. In a historical cohort of Minas Gerais State, 11,573 RA patients registered in the Outpatient Information System (SIA) between 2008 and 2013 were identified. For this study we adopted the public funding body's perspective and the values were adjusted by the national inflation index (IPCA) of December 2015. Etanercept was the most expensive treatment. The mean cohort age was 52 years old and most of the patients were women. Multiple regression analysis indicated a negative association between higher expenditure and age, female sex, and diagnosis at entry in the cohort and positive association between high expenditure and the Human Development Index (HDI) of the municipality and use of tumor necrosis factor agents. This study identified the factors that have an impact on RA drug treatment expenditure. Also, we showed that methods that enable extracting demographic and expenditure data of administrative information systems may represent important tools in the construction of economic studies to subsidize economic health evaluations, especially from the standpoint of the managers.

Current concepts in the management of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint destruction that causes significant morbidity and mortality. However, the combined use of methotrexate, a synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and biologic DMARD has revolutionized treatment of RA. Clinical remission is now realistic targets, achieved by a large proportion of RA patients, and rapid and appropriate induction of remission by intensive treatment with biological DMARD and methotrexate is prerequisite to halt joint damage and functional disabilities. However, biological DMARD is limited to intravenous or subcutaneous uses and orally available small but strong molecules have been developed. Oral administration of tofacitinib targeting the Janus kinase (JAK) is significantly effective than placebo in active patients with methotrexatenaive, inadequately responsive to methotrexate or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors. The efficacy was rapid and as strong as adalimumab, a TNF-inhibitor. Meanwhile, association of tofacitinib on carcinogenicity and malignancy is under debate and further investigation on post-marketing survey would be warranted. On the other hand, discontinuation of a biological DMARD without disease flare is our next goal and desirable from the standpoint of risk reduction and cost effectiveness, especially for patients with clinical remission. Recent reports indicate that more than half of early RA patients could discontinue TNF-targeted biological DMARD without clinical flare and functional impairment after obtaining clinical remission. Contrarily, for established RA, fewer patients sustained remission after the discontinuation of biological DMARD and "deep remission" at the discontinuation was a key factor to keep the treatment holiday of biological DMARD.

IGF2, LEPR, POMC, PPARG, and PPARGC1 gene variants are associated with obesity-related risk phenotypes in Brazilian children and adolescents

Association studies of genetic variants and obesity and/or obesity-related risk factors have yielded contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to determine the possible association of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the IGF2, LEPR, POMC, PPARG, and PPARGC1 genes with obesity or obesity-related risk phenotypes. This case-control study assessed overweight (n=192) and normal-weight (n=211) children and adolescents. The SNPs were analyzed using minisequencing assays, and variables and genotype distributions between the groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and gender was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for selected phenotype risks in each group. No difference in SNP distribution was observed between groups. In children, POMC rs28932472(C) was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (P=0.001), higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P=0.014), and higher risk in overweight children of altered total cholesterol (OR=7.35, P=0.006). In adolescents, IGF2 rs680(A) was associated with higher glucose (P=0.012) and higher risk in overweight adolescents for altered insulin (OR=10.08, P=0.005) and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (OR=6.34, P=0.010). PPARG rs1801282(G) conferred a higher risk of altered insulin (OR=12.31, P=0.003), and HOMA-IR (OR=7.47, P=0.005) in overweight adolescents. PARGC1 rs8192678(A) was associated with higher triacylglycerols (P=0.005), and LEPR rs1137101(A) was marginally associated with higher LDL cholesterol (P=0.017). LEPR rs1137101(A) conferred higher risk for altered insulin, and HOMA-IR in overweight adolescents. The associations observed in this population suggested increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes later in life for individuals carrying these alleles.

Infliximabe, metotrexato e sua combinação no tratamento da artrite reumatoide: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Infliximab, methotrexate and their combination for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Foi feita uma revisão sistemática para avaliar a eficácia e a segurança do esquema infliximabe + metotrexato (IFX + MTX) versus MTX isoladamente ou em combinação com outros medicamentos modificadores do curso da doença (MMCD). Pesquisou‐se nas principais bases de dados eletrônicas e na literatura cinzenta e fez‐se uma busca manual. Dois revisores independentes fizeram a seleção, extração de dados e análise da qualidade dos estudos. A metanálise foi feita com o software Review Manager® 5.1. Incluíram‐se nove estudos. O escore médio na escala de Jadad modificada foi de 4,4, mas somente um estudo mostrou baixo risco de viés. O esquema IFX + MTX apresentou melhores respostas nos desfechos clínicos de ACR e do DAS28 por até 54 semanas e na progressão radiográfica por até 104 semanas. As perdas de seguimento decorrentes da falta de eficácia foram menores no grupo IFX + MTX. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante nos eventos adversos. A combinação IFX + MTX é mais eficaz do que o tratamento com MTX isolado ou em combinação com MMCD. Esse esquema apresentou boa tolerabilidade em pacientes previamente tratados com MMCD, não tratados com MTX ou com respostas insuficientes ao MTX. A eficácia do regime IFX + MTX é observada principalmente durante os períodos iniciais do tratamento. Altas doses de IFX foram tão eficazes quanto a dose padrão, mas com a possibilidade maior risco de infecções graves. Recomenda‐se, portanto, que os médicos utilizem a dose padrão de IFX de 3 mg/kg a cada oito semanas.

We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab + methotrexate (IFX + MTX) regimens versus MTX alone or in combination with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). We searched through major databases, the grey literature and did a manual search. Two independent reviewers conducted the selection, data extraction and analysis of the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager® 5.1 software. Nine trials were included. The mean modified Jadad score was 4.4, but only one study showed low risk of bias. IFX + MTX regimen presented better responses in clinical outcomes of ACR and DAS28 by up to 54 weeks, and of radiographic progression by up to 104 weeks. Withdrawals due to lack of efficacy was lower in the IFX + MTX group. No significant difference in adverse events was observed. The IFX + MTX combination is more effective than treatment with MTX alone or DMARDs combination. This regimen presented good tolerability in patients previously treated with DMARDs, not treated with MTX or with insufficient responses to MTX. The efficacy of IFX + MTX is noted primarily during initial periods of treatment. High doses of IFX were as effective as the standard dose, but with possible higher risk of serious infections. Therefore, we advise clinicians to use the standard dose of IFX 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks.

Abatacepte para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide moderada a grave 1ª linha de tratamento com biológicos após falha aos MMCDs sintéticos / Abatacept for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis 1st line of biological treatment after failure of synthetic MMCDs

CONTEXTO: A artrite reumatóide (AR) é uma doença autoimune inflamatória e crônica, caracterizada por sinovite periférica e manifestações extra-articulares. De acordo com o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) da Artrite Reumatoide, o tratamento terapêutico deve ser iniciado com os medicamentos modificadores do curso da doença (MMCDs) sintéticos. Os MMCDs biológicos só devem ser iniciados se a atividade da doença permanecer moderada ou alta, após 6 meses de tratamento com MMCDs sintéticos. Os MMCD biológicos disponibilizados no SUS são: os anti-TNF (certolizumabe pegol, golimumabe, infliximabe, etanercepte, adalimumabe), abatacepte intravenoso, tocilizumabe e rituximabe. O tratamento com MMCDs biológicos deve ser iniciado por um medicamento da classe dos anti-TNF. No caso de falha ou contraindicação absoluta aos anti-TNF, os outros biológicos (abatacepte, tocilizumabe e rituximabe) são recomendados. O demandante solicitou a incorporação do abatacepte subcutâneo para tratamento da artrite reumatoide moderada a grave, como primeiro biológico após falha aos MMCDs sintéticos, na mesma linha de tratamento que os anti-TNF, conforme o referido PCDT. A TECNOLOGIA: Abatacepte é uma proteína de fusão humana recombinante que inibe seletivamente a ativação das células T do sistema imune, reduzindo o processo inflamatório relacionado à artrite reumatoide. A forma farmacêutica para uso intravenoso do abatacepte já está incorporada ao SUS, nos casos de falha ou de contraindicação absoluta aos anti-TNF. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O demandante solicitou a incorporação do abatacepte subcutâneo no tratamento da artrite reumatoide moderada a grave, como primeira linha de tratamento após a falha com MMCDs sintéticos, na mesma linha de tratamento dos agentes biológicos anti-TNF, que já estão incorporados no SUS. Em um estudo de não-inferioridade disponível na literatura, com duas publicações referentes a 1 e 2 anos de seguimento, o abatacepte SC foi comparado ao anti-TNF adalimumabe SC em pacientes com resposta inadequada ao MTX e virgens de tratamento com biológicos. O resultado do estudo comprovou a não inferioridade do abatacepte em relação ao adalimumabe. O perfil de segurança dos dois biológicos foi semelhante. Não há evidências na literatura científica que comprovem a superioridade de um agente biológico em relação a outro biológico e as indicações de uso desses agentes no SUS estão baseadas na experiência clínica e no perfil do paciente, conforme estabelece o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas do Ministério da Saúde. Os anti-TNF foram os primeiros biológicos a serem utilizados no tratamento de pacientes com artrite reumatoide e, portanto, apresentam maior tempo de experiência clínica do que os outros biológicos, como o abatacepte. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 32ª reunião do plenário do dia 05/02/2015 deliberaram, por unanimidade, não recomendar a incorporação do medicamento abatacepte subcutâneo para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide moderada a grave, como primeiro biológico, após falha dos MMCDs sintéticos. Não há evidências científicas que comprovem superioridade de eficácia do abatacepte subcutâneo em relação aos anti-TNF já utilizados após a falha do tratamento com MMCDs sintéticos. DECISÃO: PORTARIA Nº 14, de 9 de abril de 2015 - Torna pública a decisão de não incorporar o abatacepte subcutâneo para o tratamento da segunda etapa (primeira etapa de biológicos) do tratamento da artrite reumatoide moderada a grave, conforme o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas do Ministério da Saúde no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS.

Leucopenia grave em paciente com artrite reumatoide tratada com combinação de metotrexato e leflunomida / Severe leukopenia in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with a methotrexate/leflunomide combination

Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com artrite reumatoide tratada por dois anos com associação de metotrexato e leflunomida. A paciente foi internada com leucopenia grave quatro semanas após acrescentar ao esquema medicamentoso as drogas clopidogrel, isosorbida, sinvastatina, AAS e omeprazol.

A rheumatoid arthritis patient was treated for two years with methotrexate and leflunomide combination therapy. The evolution was uneventful until she had clopidogrel, simvastatin, isosorbide, aspirin and omeprazole added to medication due to acute myocardial infarction. Four weeks after this, she was hospitalized with severe leukopenia.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for active rheumatoid arthritis with an inadequate response to methotrexate or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib (5 and 10 mg twice daily) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with active RA was performed using the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases as well as manual searches. RESULTS: Five RCTs, including three phase-II and two phase-III trials involving 1,590 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The three phase-II RCTs included 452 patients with RA (144 patients randomized to 5 mg of tofacitinib twice daily, 156 patients randomized to 10 mg of tofacitinib twice daily, and 152 patients randomized to placebo) who were included in this meta-analysis. The American College of Rheumatology 20% response rate was significantly higher in the tofacitinib 5- and 10-mg groups than in the control group (relative risk [RR], 2.445; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.229 to 4.861; p = 0.011; and RR, 2.597; 95% CI, 1.514 to 4.455; p = 0.001, respectively). The safety outcomes did not differ between the tofacitinib 5- and 10-mg groups and placebo groups with the exception of infection in the tofacitinib 10-mg group (RR, 2.133; 95% CI, 1.268 to 3.590; p = 0.004). The results of two phase-III trials (1,123 patients) confirmed the findings in the phase-II studies. CONCLUSIONS: Tofacitinib at dosages of 5 and 10 mg twice daily was found to be effective in patients with active RA that inadequately responded to methotrexate or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and showed a manageable safety profile.

Taxas de retenção de infliximabe e tocilizumabe no período de 3 anos em um hospital brasileiro / Retention rates of infliximab and tocilizumab during a 3-year period in a Brazilian hospital

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia e período de uso de tocilizumabe e infliximabe no tratamento de pacientes com artrite reumatoide. MÉTODOS: Foi comparado o tempo de uso de dois biológicos com diferentes mecanismos de ação no tratamento de pacientes com artrite reumatoide. RESULTADOS: Ambos os biológicos se mostraram eficazes, mas o tempo de uso sem perda de eficácia foi maior com tocilizumabe quando comparado ao infliximabe. CONCLUSÃO: Tocilizumabe mantém um período de uso significativamente maior do que infliximabe em pacientes com artrite reumatoide tratados em uma única instituição.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and the period of use of tocilizumab and infliximab during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: The period of use of two biologics with different mechanisms of action were compared in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. RES: ULTS: Both medications showed efficacy, but the period of use with no loss of efficacy was longer in patients receiving tocilizumab when compared to infliximab. CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab maintains a period of use significantly longer as compared with infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at a single organization.

Efecto de la hidroxicloroquina sobre la sensibilidad a la insulina y el perfil de lípidos en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Effects of hydroxychloroquine on insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity (IS), which has been identified as an independent risk factor for the development of early atherosclerosis. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile. Aim: To assess the effect of HCQ on IS and lipid profile in patients with RA. Material and Methods: An open clinical trial was performed in 15 patients aged between 35 and 56 years. During three months, patients received 400 mg/day of HCQ orally. Before and after the pharmacological intervention, demographic and anthropometric variables, serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, insulin and uric acid were measured. IS was estimated as the rate of glucose clearance per minute obtained with the insulin tolerance test (KITT). Results: Baseline and final KITT values were 4.3 ± 1.2 and 4.80 ± 1.1%/min, respectively (p = 0.03). Significant reductions in serum TC (p = 0.04) and TG (p = 0.01) were also observed. No other significant differences were observed. Conclusions: Oral administration of 400 mg/day of HCQ during three months in RA patients is associated with an improvement in IS, TC and TG.

Infliximab reduces cardiac output in rheumatoid arthritis patients without heart failure / Infliximabe reduz débito cardíaco em pacientes com artrite reumatoide sem insuficiência cardíaca

OBJECTIVE: Human anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody (infliximab) is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the risk of worsening heart failure has been described in patients under chronic treatment, the acute cardiovascular effects of this drug are unknown in RA patients without heart failure. METHODS: 14 RA patients with normal echocardiography and no history of heart failure were evaluated during the 2-hour infliximab (3-5 mg/kg) infusion period, using a noninvasive hemodynamic beat-to-beat system (Portapres). Stroke volume (SV); systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures (SBP, DBP and MBP, respectively); cardiac output (CO); heart rate (HR); and total peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) were recorded. All patients also received saline infusion instead of infliximab as a control. Significant differences in hemodynamic parameters were determined using Tuckey's test. All values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Fourteen RA patients (6M/8F) with mean age of 47.2 ± 8.8 years were evaluated. A significant decrease was found in cardiac output and stroke volume (7.04 ± 2.3 to 6.12 ± 2.1 l/min and 91 ± 29.0 to 83 ± 28.8 mL/beat, respectively) after infliximab infusion. Although not statistically significant, a progressive increase was detected in SBP, DBP and total PVR during infusion. Saline infusion did not cause significant hemodynamic changes in the same group of RA patients. No adverse effects were observed during the infusion period. CONCLUSION: Acute infliximab administration decreased cardiac output due to low stroke volume in RA patients without heart disease. The results also demonstrated that, in spite of its negative inotropic effect, infliximab enhanced BP, probably by increasing PVR.

OBJETIVO: O inibidor de fator de necrose tumoral (TNF-α) infliximabe é usado no tratamento de doenças autoimunes como a artrite reumatoide (AR). Embora o risco de piora de insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes submetidos a tratamento crônico tenha sido descrito, os efeitos cardiovasculares agudos da infusão desta droga em pacientes com AR sem insuficiência cardíaca são desconhecidos. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com AR e ecocardiogramas normais e sem antecedentes de insuficiência cardíaca foram avaliados durante o período de infusão de infliximabe (3-5mg/kg), de 2 horas, utilizando um sistema de monitoramento hemodinâmico não invasivo batimento-a-batimento (Portapres). As variáveis avaliadas foram: volume sistólico (VS), pressão arterial sistólica, diastólica e média (PAS, PAD e PAM, respectivamente), débito cardíaco (DC), frequência cardíaca (FC) e resistência vascular periférica total (RVPT). Todos os voluntários também receberam infusão de soro fisiológico (SF) como estudo controle. Estatísticas foram avaliadas usando o teste de Tuckey. Os valores estão expressos em média ± desvio-padrão. RESULTADOS: Catorze pacientes (6M/8F), com idade média de 47,2 ± 8,8 anos, foram avaliados. Reduções significativas no débito cardíaco e volume sistólico foram encontradas após a infusão do infliximabe (7,04 ± 2,3 a 6,12 ± 2,1 L/min e 91 ± 29,0 a 83 ± 28,8 mL/batimento, respectivamente). Embora não estatisticamente significante, detectaram-se aumentos progressivos na PAS, PAD e RVPT durante a infusão. A infusão controle de SF não causou mudanças hemodinâmicas significativas nos pacientes estudados. Não foram observados efeitos adversos no período de infusão. CONCLUSÃO: A administração de infliximabe reduz agudamente o débito cardíaco devido a redução no volume sistólico em pacientes com AR sem insuficiência cardíaca. Nossos resultados mostram que, apesar do efeito inotrópico negativo, o infliximabe elevou a pressão arterial, provavelmente devido ao aumento na RVPT.

Terapia biológica em artrite reumatoide: novas perspectivas no controle e remissão / Biological therapy in rheumatoide arthritis: new perspectives in control and remission

O tratamento das doenças autoimunes sofreu grande avanço nos últimos anos. A artrite reumatoide, de etiologia desconhecida, porém com uma desregulação do sistema imunológico relacionada à sua eclosão e evolução, é hoje passível de tratamento, visando à remissão tanto clínica quanto das lesões estruturais. Além dos anti-inflamatórios e analgésicos utilizados para alívio dos sintomas, várias outras drogas, rotuladas de modificadoras do curso da doença (DMCDs), que visam controlar este distúrbio imunológico expresso pela atividade de diversos mediadores inflamatórios, estão contribuindo para a melhoria da qualidade de vida e do prognóstico dos pacientes.

Autoimmune diseases, as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had a strong development in their treatment last years. Over the past years, the knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanism of RA has advanced dramatically, with the development of new classes of drugs and the implementation of different strategies of treatment and follow-up. Beside this new drugs, the associated use of the anti-inflammatory drugs, corticoids, sintetic or traditionals disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs allow control or suppress the disease activity giving a better quality of life and prognosis to the patients.

Frosted branch angiitis, neuroretinitis as initial ocular manifestation in Behçet disease.

Behçet disease is an idiopathic, multisystem disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of orogenital ulceration and vasculitis of the veins and arteries of all calibers. Ocular involvement may affect the conjunctiva, sclera, uveal tract, vitreous, blood vessels, and retina. Many theories have pointed toward an autoimmune response behind its pathogenesis, which may be triggered by exposure to an infectious agent. Frosted branch angiitis is characterized by vascular inflammation, sheathing, retinal edema, and retinal hemorrhages. The disease may be idiopathic in a majority of the cases or may be associated with ocular and systemic pathology. Association between Behηet disease, Frosted branch angiitis, and neuroretinitis is not reported in literature. This uncommon combination reflects the varied systemic and ocular manifestations in Behηet disease, especially in patients who are not diagnosed and treated in time. We hereby report a case of bilateral frosted branch angiitis and neuroretinitis in a young male from Middle-east, suffering from Behçet disease.

No deleterious effect of low dose methotrexate on titanium implant osseointegration in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of low dose methotrexate alone or in combination with glucocorticoid treatment on titanium implant osseointegration. METHODS: Groups of 6-8 adult New Zealand White rabbits were treated for 18 weeks with saline (control), methotrexate, glucocorticoid, or methotrexate plus glucocorticoid. The animals received a titanium implant in the tibia at week 6. Lumbar spine and tibia bone mineral densities were analyzed before and after treatment. Histomorphometric analysis of bone cortical thickness, total bone area around the implant, and percent of bone to implant contact was performed. RESULTS: After 18 weeks, the change in the bone mineral density in the lumbar spines and tibias in the methotrexate group was comparable to the control group (0.035 vs. 0.055 g/cm² and 0.021 vs. 0.041 g/cm², respectively). In contrast, both the glucocorticoid group and glucocorticoid plus methotrexate group had significant reductions at both sites. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibia in the control and methotrexate groups revealed no significant changes in cortical thickness (133 vs. 126 μm), total bone area around the implant (33 vs. 30 percent), or bone to implant contact (40 vs. 38 percent). In contrast, glucocorticoid group had significant reductions compared to controls in tibia cortical thickness (99 vs. 133 μm), total bone area around the implant (24 vs. 33 percent), and bone to implant contact (27 vs. 40 percent). Similar reductions were observed in the glucocorticoid plus methotrexate group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that low dose methotrexate treatment does not affect titanium implant osseointegration, suggesting that this therapy is safe for surgical procedures requiring a titanium implant.

Oral events related to low-dose methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Low-dose methotrexate (MTX) is frequently used for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). High doses of MTX frequently produce side effects. The aim of this study was to explore oral complications of low-dose MTX therapy in a population of RA patients. This is a cross-sectional study in which oral examination was performed on a population of RA patients. Patients undergoing MTX therapy (5-20 mg weekly) for at least six months were included in the study group, and RA patients being treated under another regimen were used as controls. The frequency of oral lesions was compared between groups. The chi-square test was used to compare frequencies. Relative risk (RR) and its confidence interval (CI) were established. Significance level was set at 0.05. Twenty-eight RA patients on a low-dose MTX regimen and 21 controls were enrolled in the study. Oral lesions were found in 22 patients (78.6 percent) undergoing MTX therapy, and in 5 patients (23.8 percent) undergoing other therapies (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences regarding age, gender or dosage. The most common oral events observed in patients in the MTX group were ulcerative/erosive lesions (60.7 percent) and candidiasis (10.7 percent). Patients in the control group presented lower prevalence of the same lesions (p < 0.001). The RR for developing oral lesions was 11.73 (CI 2.57 - 58.98), with low-dose MTX therapy. In conclusion, the prevalence of oral mucosa lesions in RA patients receiving low doses of MTX therapy is higher than in RA patients not receiving the drug.

Anti-TNF-alpha Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis

BACKGROUND: This review evaluated the safety and efficacy of etanercept in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Of 59 patients with AS, this study reviewed 11 patients who were refractory to conventional therapy and treated with etanercept from September 2005 to January 2008. The mean follow-up duration was 13.6 months. The general improvement was evaluated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and adverse effects, complications and inflammatory markers were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean BASDAI decreased from 7.1 +/- 1.6 before treatment to 4.2 +/- 1.8 at 3 months after the etanercept treatment (p = 0.001). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were decreased significantly by the etanercept treatment. The greatest improvement in symptoms was enthesitis, followed by skin involvement and morning stiffness. There was a significant difference in the improvement in BASDAI along with the follow up duration (p = 0.04). A serious infection was observed as a complication in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that etanercept can induce significant improvement in most patients with less damage. A trial of tumor necrosis factor inhibition is indicated in all AS patients who do not achieve adequate disease control with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate, leflunomide etc. The patients treated with etanercept should be educated about the possibility of infection and monitored closely.