Incidence of primary large vessel vasculitis in Norfolk, UK from 2011 to 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To report the annual incidence of primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in the adult population of Norfolk County, UK, including giant cell arteritis (GCA) (in those ≥50 years) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS: Individuals diagnosed by histology or imaging who lived in NR1-NR30 postcode districts were included. Validated criteria from 1990 and 2022 were applied for final classification. Population data were available from the Office of National Statistics, UK. RESULTS: 270 individuals were diagnosed with primary LVV over 4.7 million person-years. The annual incidence (95% CI) of primary LVV was 57.5 (50.8, 64.7)/million person-years in the adult population. 227 and 244 individuals were diagnosed with GCA over ~2.5 million person-years using 1990 and 2022 criteria, respectively. The annual incidence (95% CI) of GCA was 91.6 (80.0, 104.3)/million person-years aged ≥50 years using 1990 criteria and 98.4 (86.4, 111.6)/million person-years aged ≥50 years using 2022 criteria. 13 and 2 individuals were diagnosed with TAK over 4.7 million person-years. The annual incidence (95% CI) of TAK was 2.8 (1.5, 4.7)/million person-years using 1990 criteria and 0.4 (0.0, 1.4)/million person-years using 2022 criteria, in the adult population. The incidence of GCA rose sharply in 2017 coincident with the introduction of a fast-track pathway and fell during the pandemic when the pathway was disrupted. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that reports the incidence of objectively verified primary LVV in the adult population. The incidence of GCA may be affected by the availability of diagnostic pathways. The use of the 2022 classification criteria results in a rise in the classification of GCA and fall in that of TAK.

Awareness of axial spondyloarthritis among chiropractors and osteopaths: findings from a UK Web-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: Chiropractors and osteopaths are important professional partners in the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In view of recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, we sought to understand their current knowledge and working practices. METHODS: A Web-based survey was advertised to chiropractors and osteopaths via the Royal College of Chiropractors and the Institute of Osteopathy. RESULTS: Of 382 completed responses [237 chiropractors (62%) and 145 osteopaths (38%)], all were familiar with AS, but only 63 and 25% were familiar with the terms axSpA and non-radiographic axSpA, respectively. Seventy-seven per cent were confident with inflammatory back pain. Respondents routinely asked about IBD (91%), psoriasis (81%), acute anterior uveitis (49%), peripheral arthritis (71%), genitourinary/gut infection (56%), enthesitis (30%) and dactylitis (20%). Eighty-seven per cent were aware of the association between axSpA and HLA-B27. Only 29% recognized that axSpA was common in women. Forty per cent recommend an X-ray (pelvic in 80%) and, if normal, 27% would recommend MRI of the sacroiliac joints and whole spine. Forty-four per cent were aware of biologic therapies. Forty-three per cent were confident with the process of onward referral to rheumatology via the general practitioner (GP). The principal perceived barrier to onward referral was reluctance by the GP to accept their professional opinion. CONCLUSION: Overall knowledge of ankylosing spondylitis is good, but the term axSpA is poorly understood. Specific learning needs include gender preponderance, awareness of acute anterior uveitis and the availability of biological therapies. There is lack of confidence in the onward referral process to rheumatology via the GP.