Incidence and risk factors for cervical lesions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis under the current pharmacologic treatment paradigm.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the incidence and risk factors for cervical lesions in patients with rheumatic arthritis (RA) under the current pharmacologic treatment paradigm. METHODS: Of patients with RA onset after 2000, 151 who introduced biologic agents (BAs) because of high disease activity and underwent cervical radiography more than 5 years after onset were included. Incidence of those with cervical lesions and predictors of cervical lesions were analyzed. Mean disease duration was 8.5 years. The radiographic definitions of cervical lesions were as follows: atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), atlantodental interval >3 mm; vertical subluxation (VS), Ranawat value <13 mm; and subaxial subluxation (SS), and listhesis >2 mm. RESULTS: Radiographic evaluation indicated AAS in 43 cases (28%), VS in 10 (7%), and SS in 6 (4%). The incidence of those with any cervical lesion was 32% (48/151). Univariate analysis showed that disease duration, time from onset to BA use, and onset before 2005 were significant predictors of cervical lesions, while multivariate regression analysis showed that disease duration and Steinbrocker stage were predictors. CONCLUSION: The incidence of cervical lesions in patients with RA onset after 2000 was still high (32%). In addition, disease duration and Steinbrocker stage were predictors of cervical lesions.

Predictors for the progression of cervical lesion in rheumatoid arthritis under the treatment of biological agents.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the effect of biological agents (BAs) on the development and progression of cervical lesions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify biomarkers that accurately predict disease progression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The introduction of BAs changed the paradigm of RA treatment. However, their effects on cervical lesions in patients with RA have not been studied. METHODS: Ninety-one subjects who had received BAs for 2 years or more were enrolled. Mean radiographical interval was 3.9 years. Disease activity was evaluated by disease activity score-C-reactive protein levels, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels. Cervical lesions were defined as an atlantodental interval more than 3 mm for atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), Ranawat value less than 13 mm for vertical subluxation (VS), and anterior or posterior listhesis more than 2 mm for subaxial subluxation. Disease progression was defined radiographically as an increase in the atlantodental interval more than 2 mm for AAS, a decrease in both Ranawat and Redlund-Johnell values more than 2 mm for VS, and an increase in listhesis more than 2 mm for subaxial subluxation. We used multivariate regression techniques to assess predictors of disease progression. RESULTS: Baseline radiographical evaluation showed no pre-existing cervical lesion in 44 patients, AAS in 29, and VS in 18. Radiological progression occurred in 7% patients without baseline lesions, 79% in the AAS group, and 72% in the VS group. The incidence of progression was significantly lower in patients without lesions at baseline. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated pre-existing cervical lesions, disease activity score-C-reactive protein levels at baseline and metalloproteinase-3 levels at final visit as good predictors of RA progression. CONCLUSION: BAs prevented de novo cervical lesions in patients with RA but failed to control progression in patients with pre-existing cervical lesions. Disease activity score-C-reactive protein levels at baseline were related to pre-existing joint destruction, and metalloproteinase-3 levels accurately predicted ongoing bone destruction during BA treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Effect of biological agents on cervical spine lesions in rheumatoid arthritis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of biological agents (BAs) on the development and progression of cervical spine lesions and identify predictors of lesion progression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The introduction of BAs has facilitated advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). BAs reduce disease activity and limit structural joint damage. However, the effect of BAs on cervical spine lesions remains unclear. METHODS: Thirty-eight subjects who received more than 2 years of continuous BA treatment were enrolled. The mean x-ray interval was 4.4 years. RA activity was evaluated by disease activity score (DAS)-C reactive protein (CRP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3. Radiographical definitions of cervical lesions were atlanto-dental interval (ADI) more than 3 mm for atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS), Ranawat value less than 13 mm for vertical subluxation (VS), and anterior or posterior listhesis more than 2 mm for subaxial subluxation (SS). Definitions of radiographical progression were an increase of ADI more than 2 mm for AAS, a decrease of both Ranawat and Redlund-Johnell values more than 2 mm for VS, and an increase of listhesis more than 2 mm for SS. RESULTS: RA activity responded dramatically to BA therapy (DAS-CRP from 4.3 to 2.3, P < 0.01; MMP-3 from 207.9 ng/mL to 105.6 ng/mL, P < 0.01). Baseline radiographical evaluation showed no pre-existing cervical spine lesions in 12 cases, AAS in 15 cases, and VS in 11 cases. Radiological progression was found in 1 (8%) patient in the no lesion group, 12 patients (80%) in the AAS group, and 9 patients (80%) in the VS group. The incidence of progression was significantly lower in the no lesion group compared with the other groups. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of pre-existing cervical lesions was the single greatest predictor of progression. CONCLUSION: BAs prevented the development of de novo cervical spine lesions in patients with RA, but failed to inhibit progression of pre-existing RA lesions.