Singapore chapter of rheumatologists' updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted therapy for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

AIM: There have been major advances in biologic treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since the publication of the 2015 consensus recommendations by the Chapter of Rheumatologists, College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, for government-assisted funding, thus warranting a revision of this guideline. METHODS: Recent trials and nine published guidelines on the use of biologic therapy for PsA were reviewed. Based on the synthesized evidence, a task force panel (TFP), consisting of 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore, rated the statements pertaining to the use of biologic therapy, using a modified Delphi approach. Consensus was obtained if >70% agreed on a statement. RESULTS: The TFP agreed on 10 recommendations pertaining to the initiation, choice and continuation of biologic therapy. A biologic is indicated in patients with PsA: (a) with at least three swollen and tender joints, digits or entheses; and (b) who have failed at least two conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (csDMARD) strategies for a minimum of 3 months each. Any approved drug class including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i), IL-12/23i or targeted synthetic DMARDs may be considered as first-line treatment, and continued only if a response is achieved by 6 months. CONCLUSION: These recommendations developed through a formal consensus method may be useful to guide funding considerations for appropriate and equitable use of biologic therapy for eligible patients with PsA.

Update on recommendations for eligibility of government subsidization of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore.

AIMS: The field of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has undergone significant changes recently in particular with disease classification, assessment of disease activity and increased treatment options for biologics. In order to reflect these developments, we aimed to update the local consensus recommendations for subsidization of biologics. METHODS: A modified Delphi approach was used. Six published guidelines from major rheumatology societies and healthcare authorities on axSpA were reviewed. Findings were synthesized and used in formulating updated recommendation statements. Recommendations were rated by 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore. Consensus was reached if there was more than 70% agreement or disagreement. RESULTS: Ten statements achieved consensus. Patients may be considered for subsidization of biologic therapy if they fulfill the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society or modified New York criteria, with persistently active disease (defined either by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score ≥ 2.1 or Bath Spondylitis Disease Activity Index ≥ 4), despite 4 weeks of full-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and regular exercise. Either tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or interleukin 17 inhibitors may be used as first-line therapy, and should be continued if adequate response is achieved at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Recommendation statements were formulated through a formal consensus process by local experts with a view to assist relevant authorities in funding considerations and for use in clinical practice.

Singapore Chapter of Rheumatologists updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted-synthetic therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond inadequately to conventional-synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). However, widespread use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted-synthetic (tsDMARDs) is limited by cost. We formulated updated recommendations for eligibility criteria for government-assisted funding of bDMARDs/tsDMARDs for RA patients in Singapore. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published guidelines regarding use of bDMARD and tsDMARDs were reviewed. We excluded those without a systematic literature review, formal consensus process or evidence grading. Separately, unpublished national reimbursement guidelines were included. RESULTS: Eleven recommendations regarding choice of disease activity measure, initiation, order of selection and continuation of bDMARD/tsDMARDs were formulated. A bDMARD/tsDMARD is indicated if a patient has: (a) at least moderately active RA with a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) score of ≥3.2; (b) failed ≥2 csDMARD strategies, 1 of which must be a combination; (c) received an adequate dose regimen of ≥3 months for each strategy. For the first-line bDMARD/tsDMARD, either tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), non-TNFi (abatacept, tocilizumab, rituximab), or tsDMARDs, may be considered. If a first-line TNFi fails, options include another TNFi, non-TNFi biologic or tsDMARDs. If a first-line non-TNFi biologic or tsDMARD fails, options include TNFi or another non-TNF biologic or tsDMARD. For continued bDMARD/tsDMARD subsidization, a patient must have a documented DAS28-ESR every 3 months and at least a moderate European League Against Rheumatism response by 6 months. CONCLUSION: These recommendations are useful for guiding funding decisions, making bDMARD/tsDMARDs usage accessible and equitable in RA patients who fail csDMARDs.

Acute interstitial pneumonia as first presentation of anti-synthetase syndrome: an atypical case.

Anti-synthetase syndrome is characterized by myositis associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), the usual pattern of ILD being non-specific interstitial pneumonia type or usual interstitial pneumonia. We report a case of anti-synthetase syndrome presenting as acute interstitial pneumonia which is reported only once before. With this case, we emphasize the need to consider anti-synthetase syndrome even in patients presenting with acute onset ILD. Physicians should raise their index of suspicion in this clinical context as timely diagnosis, early treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach is paramount for optimal care of these patients.