Effect of biologic agents and inflammation on lipid levels and cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) on lipids and CVD risk and evaluate associations with changes in systemic inflammation. METHODS: Patients with RA initiating a bDMARD were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months later. Longitudinal mixed effects models examined the association of individual biologics with changes in lipid levelsm Reynolds Risk Score (RRS) and Framingham risk score. Mediation by CRP, clinical disease activity index (CDAI) or swollen joint count on lipid changes were modeled using structural equation models. The correlation between CRP changes and LDL changes was estimated. Changes of LDL-C at 6 months among patients with low baseline LDL-C (<90 mg/dl) vs higher baseline LDL-C(90-130, and >130 mg/dl) were compared. The association between LDL-C changes across baseline LDL-C groups and disease activity improvement was evaluated. RESULTS: 1698 bDMARD initiations were analyzed. Patients initiating tocilizumab had a significant increase in lipid levels but RRS at 3 and 6 months was similar across all biologics. Framingham risk score increased for patients treated with tocilizumab. Mediator analyses were statistically significant for the effects of CRP on lipid levels. Increases in LDL-C from baseline were independent of clinical response. An association of changes from baseline CRP and LDL-C were observed across all of the bDMARDs studied. CONCLUSION: Moderate increases in lipid levels on bDMARD treatment were not associated with an increased CVD risk by RRS regardless of the bDMARD initiated. Changes in CRP were significantly associated with changes in lipids in a mediator analysis.

Clinical and structural damage outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis patients receiving NSAIDs or advanced therapies: a description of a real-life cohort.

Introduction: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, disease activity, and structural damage in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who receive chronic treatment with nonsteroideal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or advanced therapies in a clinical setting. Methods: Cross-sectional study on axSpA patients consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. We collected data on clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as treatment patterns involving NSAIDs and advanced therapies. Structural damage was assessed using mSASSS. Results: Overall, data from 193 axSpA patients (83% ankylosing spondylitis) were gathered, with a mean disease duration of 21.4 years. Of these, 85 patients (44%) were exclusively taking NSAIDs, while 108 (56%) were receiving advanced therapies, with TNF inhibitors being the predominant choice (93 out of 108, 86.1%). Among patients using NSAIDs, 64.7% followed an on-demand dosing regimen, while only 17.6% used full doses. Disease activity was low, with a mean BASDAI of 3.1 and a mean ASDAS-CRP of 1.8. In comparison to patients under chronic NSAID treatment, those taking advanced therapies were primarily male (69.4% versus 51.8%, p = 0.025) and significantly younger (mean age of 49 versus 53.9 years, p = 0.033). Additionally, patients on advanced therapies exhibited lower ASDAS-CRP (p = 0.046), although CRP serum levels and BASDAI scores did not differ between the two groups. In the multivariable analysis, therapy (NSAID versus biological treatment) was not independently associated with ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI or mSASSS. Conclusion: This cross-sectional analysis of a real-world cohort of axSpA patients shows positive clinical and radiological outcomes for both NSAIDs and advanced therapies.

Efficacy and safety of first-line biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those undergoing haemodialysis (HD). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 425 patients with RA prescribed their first bDMARDs at two hospitals from 2004 to 2021. Patients were categorised by kidney function and bDMARD modality (TNFα inhibitors (TNFαis), interleukin-6 inhibitors (IL-6is), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig)). The primary outcome was the 36-month drug retention rate, with secondary outcomes including changes in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28)-C reactive protein (CRP)/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), prednisolone dosage and reasons for discontinuation. RESULTS: The 36-month drug retention rates by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (≥60, 30-60, <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) were as follows: all bDMARDs (45.2%, 32.0%, 41.4%), TNFαis (45.3%, 28.2%, 34.0%), IL-6is (47.4%, 66.7%, 71.4%) and CTLA-4Ig (50.0%, 31.3%, 33.3%). Even in groups with lower kidney function, the drug retention rate of bDMARDs was generally maintained. However, the retention rate of TNFαis was significantly lower in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. IL-6is showed the highest retention rate and the lowest discontinuation rate due to ineffectiveness in this group (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.85, p=0.03). All bDMARDs improved DAS28-CRP/ESR and reduced prednisolone dosage across all groups. CONCLUSION: bDMARDs demonstrated effective and safe profiles in patients with RA with CKD, even among patients on HD. In particular, IL-6is had a significantly higher drug retention rate in patients with an eGFR of <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and fewer discontinuations due to ineffectiveness. IL-6is were more efficacious as monotherapy compared with the other bDMARDs.

Early clinical response associates with long-term outcomes with ixekizumab in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) management include patient assessment for biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment response after at least 12 weeks of treatment. The current treat-to-target strategy for axSpA is to achieve inactive disease (ID; Axial Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) <1.3) or at least low disease activity (LDA; 1.3≤ASDAS<2.1).To investigate the association between treatment response at week 12 and/or week 24 and attainment of the ASDAS<2.1 treat-to-target recommendation at week 52 in bDMARD-naïve patients with radiographic (r-)axSpA treated with ixekizumab (IXE). METHODS: This post hoc analysis included patients randomly assigned to IXE 80 mg every 4 weeks from COAST-V (NCT02696785), a phase 3 trial in bDMARD-naïve patients with r-axSpA. The proportion of patients who achieved ASDAS<2.1 at week 52 was measured among those who attained or not clinically important improvement (CII, ∆ASDAS≥1.1) response, and among those with ID, LDA and high or very high disease activity at week 12 and/or week 24. Non-response was assumed for missing data. RESULTS: Amongst 81 patients, 47 (58.0%) achieved ASDAS CII at week 12, with 70.2% (n=33) achieving ASDAS<2.1 at week 52. At week 24, 52 (64.2%) patients achieved ASDAS CII, with 71.2% (n=37) achieving ASDAS<2.1 at week 52. Of the 24 patients who did not achieve ASDAS CII at either week 12 or week 24, 5 (20.8%) achieved ASDAS<2.1 at week 52. CONCLUSION: This analysis reinforces the current recommendation that continuing treatment in those achieving ASDAS CII at week 12 and/or week 24 increases the likelihood of obtaining ID/LDA at week 52. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02696785.

Early identification of rheumatoid arthritis: does it induce treatment-related cost savings?

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and treatment-start is key for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the economic effect of an early versus a later diagnosis has never been investigated. We aimed to investigate whether early diagnosis of RA is associated with lower treatment-related costs compared with later diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with RA consecutively included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic between 2011 and 2017 were studied (n=431). Symptom duration was defined as the time between symptom onset and first presentation at the outpatient clinic; early treatment start was defined as symptom duration <12 weeks. Information on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug use per patient over 5 years was obtained from prescription data from patient records. Prices were used from 2022 and 2012 (proxy of time of prescription) to study the impact of changes in drug costs. Autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA were studied separately because differences in disease severity may influence costs. RESULTS: Within autoantibody-negative RA, costs were 316% higher in the late compared with the early group (ß=4.16 (95% CI 1.57 to 11.1); €4856 vs €1159). When using 2012 prices, results were similar. For autoantibody-positive RA, costs were 19% higher in the late group (€9418 vs €7934, ß=1.19, 0.57 to 2.47). This effect was present but smaller when using 2012 prices. Within patients with autoantibody-positive RA using biologicals, late treatment start was associated with 46% higher costs (ß=1.46 (0.91 to 2.33)); higher costs were also seen when using 2012 prices. CONCLUSION: When RA is detected within 12 weeks after symptom onset, treatment-related costs were lower in both autoantibody-negative and autoantibody-positive RA. This study is the first to report how early diagnosis and treatment start impact treatment-related costs.

Improved physical functioning, sleep, work productivity and overall health-related quality of life with bimekizumab in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: results from two phase 3 studies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of bimekizumab on physical functioning, sleep, work productivity and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with non-radiographic (nr-) and radiographic (r-) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in the phase 3 studies BE MOBILE 1 and 2. METHODS: Patients were randomised to subcutaneous bimekizumab 160 mg or placebo every 4 weeks; from Week 16, all patients received bimekizumab 160 mg every 4 weeks. We report the following outcomes to Week 52: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale Revised (MOS-Sleep-R) Index II, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: axSpA (WPAI:axSpA), Short Form-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary (SF-36 PCS/MCS) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL). RESULTS: At Week 16, bimekizumab-randomised patients demonstrated significantly greater improvement from baseline versus placebo in BASFI, SF-36 PCS and ASQoL (p<0.001), and numerically greater improvements in MOS-Sleep-R Index II and WPAI:axSpA scores. Higher proportions of bimekizumab-randomised versus placebo-randomised patients at Week 16 achieved increasingly stringent thresholds for improvements in BASFI (0 to ≤4), and thresholds for meaningful improvements in SF-36 PCS (≥5-point increase from baseline) and ASQoL (≥4-point decrease from baseline). Responses were sustained or further improved to Week 52, where 60%-70% of bimekizumab-treated patients achieved BASFI ≤4 and meaningful improvements in SF-36 PCS and ASQoL, regardless of whether originally randomised to bimekizumab or placebo. CONCLUSION: Bimekizumab treatment led to early improvements in physical function, sleep, work productivity and overall HRQoL at Week 16 in patients across the full axSpA disease spectrum. Improvements were sustained to Week 52. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT03928704; NCT03928743.

Knowledge of biological therapy for patients with immune-mediated diseases. BIOINFO Study. / Conocimiento de la terapia biológica en pacientes con enfermedades inmunomediadas. Estudio BIOINFO.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of knowledge about biological therapy and biosimilars in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases treated in Outpatient Pharmaceutical Care Units. METHODS: Observational, prospective and multicenter study during the period May 2020-March 2021. A survey (9 questions) was conducted before starting treatment in which the patients' level of knowledge about biological therapy and biosimilars was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were included in the study. The average value for the different questions was 3.3 ± 0.6 out of 5, while the average final result was 29.4 points out of 45. Sixty-four percent of the patients had an acceptable level before starting the medication (>27 points). The multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) with a better score at the beginning of treatment in those patients whose prescribing service was Rheumatology. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the level of knowledge prior to biological therapy in patients is acceptable, being higher in dosage and administration technique related-factors and what is related to the dosage and administration technique and where to find information related to the medication; the worst rated were those on biosimilars-related. The factor of being followed by rheumatology, was associated with better knowledge.

Increased risk of cardiovascular events under the treatments with Janus kinase inhibitors versus biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective longitudinal population-based study using the Japanese health insurance database.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the risk of cardiovascular events among Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKIs), biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFIs) and non-TNFIs) and methotrexate (MTX) in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Using Japanese claims data, patients with RA were enrolled in this study if they had at least one ICD-10 code (M05 or M06), were new users of JAKIs, bDMARDs or MTX between July 2013 and July 2020 and being 18 years old or older. The incidence rate (IR), IR ratio and adjusted hazard ratio (aHR (95% CI)) of cardiovascular events including venous thromboembolism, arterial thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction and stroke were calculated. A time-dependent Cox regression model adjusted for patient characteristics at baseline was used to calculate aHR. RESULTS: In 53 448 cases, IRs/1000 patient-years of the overall cardiovascular events were 10.1, 6.8, 5.4, 9.1 and 11.3 under the treatments with JAKIs, bDMARDs, TNFIs, non-TNFIs and MTX, respectively. The adjusted HRs of JAKIs for overall cardiovascular events were 1.7 (1.1 to 2.5) versus TNFIs without MTX and 1.7 (1.1 to 2.7) versus TNFIs with MTX. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with RA, individuals using JAKIs had a significantly higher risk of overall cardiovascular events than TNFIs users, which was attributed to the difference in the risk between JAKIs and TNFIs versus MTX. These data should be interpreted with caution because of the limitations associated with the claims database.

Increased Risk of Herpes Zoster in Rheumatoid Arthritis Not Only Due to JAK Inhibitors-Study of 392 Patients from Single University Center.

Background/Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of infection. Their risk of presenting herpes zoster (HZ) is 1.5-2 times higher than immunocompetent individuals and disseminated presentation is more frequent. Our aim was to analyze the prevalence and general features of HZ in RA patients. Methods: This was a prospective study of 392 RA patients included in the vaccination program of our hospital between 2011 and 2016, and follow-up continued until December 2020. A diagnosis of HZ was made according to clinical manifestations: skin rash, blisters, paresthesia, and local pain in one or more dermatomes. Results: We studied 392 participants (309 women/83 men), mean age 59 ± 13 years. Every patient was followed-up over a mean period of 137 ± 110 months (range: 42 months-42 years). HZ infection was observed in 30 of 392 (25 women/5 men) patients, age (mean ± SD) 64.7 ± 11.8 years. Prevalence was 7.65% in this period and the incidence rate was 13.22/1000 patients/year. Three patients had facial involvement, one had optic involvement, and one patient presented disseminated HZ. Seven patients presented post herpetic neuralgia treated with gabapentinoids. The main features of RA of these 30 patients were: positive RF (n = 17; 56.6%), positive anti-CCP (n = 13; 43.3%), and erosive disease (n = 10; 33.3%). At HZ infection, the treatments were glucocorticoids (n = 19; 63.3%), conventional DMARDs (n = 15; 50%), biological DMARDs (n = 15; 50%), tofacitinib (n = 2; 6.6%), and upadacitinib (n = 1; 3.3%). Conclusions: HZ is a relatively frequent viral complication in RA patients. In our series, one patient presented disseminated HZ and nearly 25% of patients had post-herpetic neuralgia. Including a HZ vaccine in our vaccination program for RA patients may be beneficial.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Survival Outcomes of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Receiving Immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved survival outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, ethnic and racial minorities are often underrepresented in ICI clinical trials, leading to limited knowledge about ICI-specific survival outcomes for mRCC across different racial and ethnic groups. We investigated the impact of race and ethnicity on the ICI-specific survival outcomes of mRCC. MATERIALS: We used The National Cancer Database (NCDB) to retrieve the data of 4858 mRCC patients diagnosed from 2014 to 2019 and receiving ICI-based regimens. We then compared survival outcomes using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test. We analyzed the data using univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity index, treatment centers, and grade. RESULTS: White and Asian patients had significantly longer median overall survival (mOS) than African American (AA) patients (23.2 [95% CI 21.6, 24.7; P = .001] and 22.2 [95% CI 16.4, 55.1; P = .047] vs. 14.8 [95% CI 11.9, 19.2] months, respectively). After adjustment, White patients had significantly longer median OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.71 [95% CI 0.58, 0.84]; P = .001). There was no significant difference in the mOS between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients (P = .39). CONCLUSION: Black race is an independent predictor of ICI-related survival in mRCC patients, independent of sociodemographics, clinicopathological, and treatment-related factors. Future research is required to understand the underlying reasons for these disparities, including potential genetic or biological differences and social and environmental factors.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of erenumab for the treatment of migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common and disabling primary headache disorder. Several drugs targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), such as erenumab (an anti-CGRP receptor mAb), have been developed recently. However, the real-world effects of erenumab are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of erenumab for reducing migraine intensity and frequency in the real world. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to December 2023. Studies estimating the real-world effect of erenumab on monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly headache days (MHD), headache impact test (HIT-6), number of days in medication (NDM), acute monthly intake (AMI), pain intensity (PI) and safety outcomes were included. Meta-analyses of proportions or mean differences were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were included. At 3-months, the effect was -7.18 days for MMD, -6.89 days for MHD, -6.97 for HIT-6, -6.22 days for NDM, -15.75 for AMI, and -1.71 for PI. Generally, the effect at 6- and 12-months increased slightly and gradually. The MMD/MHD response rates revealed that approximately one-third of patients exhibited a response greater than 30%, while one-sixth demonstrated a response exceeding 50%. Additionally, 3-4% of patients achieved a response rate of 100%. Adverse event rates were 0.34 and 0.43 at 6- and 12-months, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides strong evidence of the effectiveness and safety of erenumab in the real world; to our knowledge, this is the first real-world meta-analysis specific to erenumab. Erenumab represents a solid therapeutic option for physicians.

The Intersection of the Pathogenic Processes Underlying Psoriasis and the Comorbid Condition of Obesity.

In the past decade, our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis has made significant steps forward, leading to the development of multiple game-changing therapies. While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease that can have effects beyond the skin. Obesity is associated with more severe forms of psoriasis and can potentially worsen the systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction seen in psoriatic patients. The exact mechanisms underlying the link between these two conditions are not fully understood, but it is believed that chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation play a role. In this review, we examine the existing body of knowledge regarding the intersection of pathogenic processes responsible for psoriasis and obesity. The ability of biological therapies to reduce systemic and obesity-related inflammation in patients with psoriasis will be also discussed.

ChatGPT as a New Tool to Select a Biological for Chronic Rhino Sinusitis with Polyps, "Caution Advised" or "Distant Reality"?

ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI, designed for natural language understanding and generation. It employs deep learning technology to comprehend and generate human-like text, making it versatile for various applications. The aim of this study is to assess the alignment between the Rhinology Board's indications and ChatGPT's recommendations for treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) using biologic therapy. An observational cohort study involving 72 patients was conducted to evaluate various parameters of type 2 inflammation and assess the concordance in therapy choices between ChatGPT and the Rhinology Board. The observed results highlight the potential of Chat-GPT in guiding optimal biological therapy selection, with a concordance percentage = 68% and a Kappa coefficient = 0.69 (CI95% [0.50; 0.75]). In particular, the concordance was, respectively, 79.6% for dupilumab, 20% for mepolizumab, and 0% for omalizumab. This research represents a significant advancement in managing CRSwNP, addressing a condition lacking robust biomarkers. It provides valuable insights into the potential of AI, specifically ChatGPT, to assist otolaryngologists in determining the optimal biological therapy for personalized patient care. Our results demonstrate the need to implement the use of this tool to effectively aid clinicians.

Relapsing Eosinophilia in a Severe Allergic Asthma Patient on Biological Therapy.

Background: Severe asthma often remains uncontrolled despite optimized inhaled treatment. The rise of biologic therapy in severe asthma represented a major advance for the disease management. However, correct phenotyping and monitoring of severe asthma patients is key to the success of targeted biologic therapy. Materials and Methods: We present the case of a 63-year-old female, never a smoker, diagnosed with asthma at the age of 45 and associated persistent mild rhinitis, without other notable comorbidities. She was prescribed medium-dose ICS/LABA, administered inconstantly in the first years after the diagnosis, with poor overall control of the disease. After several exacerbation episodes, treatment compliance improved, but the control of the disease remained poor despite adding an antileukotriene. In January 2019, she presented an exacerbation episode requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids (OCS) and she was afterwards put on high-dose ICS/LABA and continued the antileukotriene. She was referred for a skin allergy test, which revealed mild sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and farinae, with a total IgE level of 48.3 IU/mL. The blood eosinophil level was 270 cells/mm3. The lung function was variable, going from mild impairment to severe fixed obstruction during exacerbations. Despite optimized inhaled treatment, good adherence and inhaler technique, and allergen avoidance strategies, asthma control was not achieved, and she continued to experience severe episodes of exacerbation requiring OCS. Results: In October 2019, she was initiated on biologic therapy with omalizumab, which allowed asthma control to be achieved and maintained for 18 months, with preserved lung function, good symptom control, no exacerbations and slightly elevated blood eosinophil level (340-360 cells/mm3). In April 2021, she started experiencing exacerbation episodes requiring OCS (three episodes within 6 months), with a progressive increase in blood eosinophil level (up to 710 cells/mm3), and progressive deterioration of asthma control and lung function, despite continuation of previous therapy. A specific IgE test against Aspergillus was negative, and total IgE level was 122.4 IU/mL. In December 2021, the patient was switched from omalizumab to benralizumab. Asthma control was again achieved, lung function improved significantly and the patient did not experience any other exacerbation episodes up until today, which allowed for a reduction in ICS dose. Intriguingly, a relapsing eosinophilia was also noted under anti-IL5-R treatment prior to the dose administration, but with preserved asthma control. Conclusions: This case underscores the pivotal role of meticulous phenotyping in severe asthma management on one side, and careful monitoring of patient evolution and possible side effects of treatment on the other side. By showcasing how diverse inflammatory pathways can coexist within a single patient and impact treatment outcomes, it highlights the necessity of tailored biologic therapy for sustained control.

Plasma Sclerostin Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Women on TNF-α Inhibitor Therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with significant systemic and local bone loss. The aim of this study was to assess whether or not 15-month tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor (TNFαI) therapy in combination with methotrexate (MTX) affects circulating levels of sclerostin (SOST) in female RA patients. Plasma levels of SOST were measured using immunoassays kits. Baseline SOST levels showed no significant differences between RA patients and control participants. Postmenopausal women with RA tended to have higher sclerostin levels than premenopausal woman with RA. After 15 months of treatment with TNFαI, plasma levels of SOST were decreased. Before starting biological therapy, circulating levels of SOST significantly correlated with the patient's age (p < 0.05) and the marker of inflammation, such as ESR (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age was the only significant predictor for baseline SOST levels in women with RA (ß = 0.008, p = 0.028, R2 model = 0.293). Moreover, a positive correlation between SOST levels and the 28 joint disease activity score value based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) was found at baseline (p < 0.05), as well as after 15 months of biological therapy (p < 0.05). Thus, plasma SOST levels may be helpful for monitoring the efficacy of TNFαI treatment in RA patients. According to our results, TNFαI, in combination with MTX, has a beneficial effect on bone turnover with a significant reduction in bone metabolism marker SOST.

Management of proctitis in ulcerative colitis and the place of biological therapies.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 20-30% of the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) may present with isolated proctitis. Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a challenging condition to manage due to its significant burden in terms of disabling symptoms. AREAS COVERED: PubMed was searched up to March 2024 to identify relevant studies on UP. A comprehensive summary and critical appraisal of the available data on UP are provided, highlighting emerging treatments and areas for future research. EXPERT OPINION: Patients with UP are often undertreated, and the disease burden is often underestimated in clinical practice. Treat-to-target management algorithms can be applied to UP, aiming for clinical remission in the short term, and endoscopic remission and maintenance of remission in the long term. During their disease, approximately one-third of UP patients require advanced therapies. Escalation to biologic therapy is required for refractory or steroid dependent UP. For optimal patient care and management of UP, it is necessary to include these patients in future randomized clinical trials.

From Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis: Decoding the Impact of Treatment Modalities on the Prevention of Psoriatic Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Biologic therapies are licensed for both psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with some electronic medical record data suggest that IL (Interleukin)-23 blockers might be more protective in PsA prevention than TNF blockers; however, the findings have been inconsistent. Higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores have also been linked to an increased PsA risk. To clarify these unresolved issues we investigated biologic agents, methotrexate, phototherapy, and topical therapy for PsA prevention in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 58,671 patients with psoriasis from the Israeli Meuhedet Health Services Organization database was evaluated for incident PsA. Patients were categorized on the basis of treatment: group 1, topical therapy; group 2, phototherapy; group 3, conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs; methotrexate); group 4, biologic DMARDs which was also stratified according to biologic class. RESULTS: The PsA incidence rate was lower in the biologic agents' group versus the methotrexate group (HR 0.46 [95% CI 0.35-0.62]). The incidence rates per 100 person-years varied across biologic treatment groups, with the anti­IL­12/23 or anti­IL­23p19 group at 4.57, the anti-IL-17 group at 4.35, and the TNF inhibitor group at 2.55. No differences were found between various biological agents in terms of preventing PsA. The phototherapy group exhibited a higher PsA development rate than the topical therapy group (HR 1.85 [95% CI 1.65-2.07]). CONCLUSION: Biological agents are more effective than methotrexate in reducing incident PsA in patients with psoriasis. This lower rate of PsA on topical therapy compared to phototherapy supports the importance of psoriasis severity as a risk factor.

Dupilumab: a delayed response in asthmatic and atopic patients treated for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

PURPOSE: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) is a common disease, which was previously approached with sinus surgery or systemic corticosteroids. The advent of biological therapies radically changed the approach to this disease. On the other hand, there is scarce scientific evidence of how specific subsets of patients respond to this treatment. METHODS: this is a monocentric, prospective study investigating the long-term efficacy on biweekly 300 mg dupilumab therapy in CRSwNP, prescribed to 61 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline and every 2 months for the first 6 months, then at 9, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months. RESULTS: dupilumab proved to be an effective treatment, neatly improving both subjective and objective measurements in CRSwNP. The main finding of the study is the difference between specific subgroups of patients: while the overall response is similar, patients with Th2 comorbidities such as asthma and atopy tend to reach a stable response later, with the improvement ongoing even after 6 months of therapy, while non-asthmatic, non-atopic patients attain an earlier stability in response. CONCLUSIONS: dupilumab provides an excellent long-term control of CRSwNP, but the response in asthmatic and atopic patients appears to be different and delayed when compared to non asthmatic and non atopic ones.