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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
21427579 New therapies in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. 2011 May PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The therapeutic landscape in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has witnessed significant changes over the past decade. The ambition to improve outcomes further, minimize safety concerns and provide more convenient means of administration are all factors that continue to drive continued drug development. This review summarizes novel therapies that have been most recently under investigation. RECENT FINDINGS: More refined drug technology has seen the development of subcutaneous forms of existing therapies (abatacept, tocilizumab), as well as newer-generation monoclonal antibodies (e.g. B-cell-depleting agents, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab and the TNF-inhibitors certolizumab and golimumab). Alternative methods of targeting critical pathways, for example Blys inhibition (atacicept) and IL-6 as opposed to IL-6 receptor antagonism, have also been evaluated. Finally, small molecules are receiving increasing attention, with some of the protein kinases inhibitors particularly promising. SUMMARY: The new emerging therapies for the management of RA illustrate much diversity, in terms of both drug technology as well as the immunological target. Although not all may succeed in reaching the market, important insights can still be gained. Challenging and exciting times lie ahead as these new technologies are embraced and efforts are made to determine how best to implement in practice.
23367390 A new method to determine joint range of movement and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritic pa 2012 Rheumatoid arthritis affects 0.5-1% of the general population. The prediction and prognosis of the disease varies for each individual and its course can detrimentally affect the psychosocial condition of the patient. Clinicians and Therapists aim to quickly diagnose and treat those with this debilitating disease. Detection relies heavily on manual evaluation methods that are dependent on training and can vary between observers. Angle measuring instrument, tape measure and grip strength dynamometer are used to assess the joint range and strength of a patient to determine their hand function. Joint stiffness can be a determining factor when diagnosing the advancement and improvement of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This paper outlines the development of a hand movement measurement tool to accurately quantify patients' flexion, extension, abduction and adduction movement of each finger joint and quantifies the symptom of "early morning stiffness". It also describes the problems that arise when using a data glove to accurately measure Range Of Movement and discusses alternative methods to overcome these issues.
21288960 High disease activity is associated with an increased risk of infection in patients with r 2011 May OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of disease activity to infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: From the CORRONA database, the incidence of physician-reported infections in RA patients on stable disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, biological, and corticosteroid therapy for at least 6 months was ascertained. Two composite measures of disease activity were defined: clinical disease activity index (CDAI) and disease activity score 28 (DAS28). Incident rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using generalised estimating equation Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics, medications and clinical factors. RESULTS: Of 1 6242 RA patients, 6242 were on stable therapy for at least 6 months and were eligible for analysis. 2282 infections were reported in the cohort, followed over 7290 patient-years. After controlling for possible confounders, disease activity was associated with an increased rate of infections. Each 0.6 unit increase in DAS28 score corresponded to a 4% increased rate of outpatient infections (IRR 1.04, p=0.01) and a 25% increased rate of infections requiring hospitalisation (IRR 1.25, p=0.03). There was a dichotomy in the relationship between infections and CDAI scores. For CDAI <10 (mild disease activity) patients had a 12% increased rate of outpatient infections with each 5 unit increase in CDAI score (IRR 1.12, p=0.003). At CDAI scores ≥10, there was no further increase in the rate of outpatient infections associated with higher disease activity. The relationship of CDAI to hospitalised infections showed similar trends to outpatient data but did not reach statistical significance after multivariate analysis (CDAI <10: IRR 1.56, p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of RA patients, higher disease activity was associated with a higher probability of developing infections.
22076726 Rituximab therapy for systemic vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: Results fr 2012 Mar OBJECTIVE: Rituximab improves articular symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it recently has been shown to be an effective induction therapy for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. We assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab in a real-life clinical setting among patients with systemic rheumatoid vasculitis (SRV). METHODS: We analyzed data from the AutoImmunity and Rituximab registry, which includes patients with autoimmune diseases treated with rituximab. RESULTS: Of the 1,994 patients with RA enrolled in the registry, 17 were treated with rituximab for active SRV. At baseline, the mean Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for RA (BVAS/RA) was 9.6, with a mean prednisone dosage of 19.2 mg/day. After 6 months of rituximab therapy, 12 patients (71%) achieved complete remission of their vasculitis, 4 had a partial response, and 1 died with uncontrolled vasculitis. Mean BVAS/RA was reduced to 0.6 and mean prednisone dosage to 9.7 mg/day. At 12 months, 14 patients (82%) were in sustained complete remission. Severe infection occurred in 3 patients, corresponding to a 6.4 per 100 patient-years rate. In the 6 patients who received further rituximab as maintenance therapy between months 6 and 12, no relapse of vasculitis was observed. However, among the 9 patients who did not, a relapse was observed in 3 patients who were treated with methotrexate alone. Remission was reestablished by reintroducing rituximab in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Complete remission of SRV was achieved in nearly three-fourths of patients receiving rituximab in daily practice, with a significant decrease in daily prednisone dosage and an acceptable toxicity profile. Rituximab represents a suitable therapeutic option to induce remission in SRV, but maintenance therapy seems to be necessary.
21416858 [Evaluating of quality of life and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 2011 Feb There is a growing worldwide interest for more information regarding morbidity and especially chronic diseases as well as the economical burden which it creates for the disabled individual and the society as a whole. Recently, increased attention has been paid to the scientific assessment of quality of life in chronically ill. Measures of physical and other abilities have shown a great prognostic value regarding disease outcomes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, systemic inflammatory disease which negatively influences quality of life of patients. In rheumatology quality of life is assessed with two types of instruments: generic and specific. Current research has shown that specific measures are more sensitive to treatment induced changes in comparison with the generic measures. However, the choice of an instrument largely depends on the specific goal of the study. Both types of measures have shown strengths and weaknesses and they have been used simultaneously in order to provide a complex evaluation of quality of life.
21909946 Assessment of the utility of visual feedback in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthriti 2012 Oct Earlier studies revealed that visual feedback has contributed in the management of neuromuscular as well as psychiatric disorders; however, it has not yet been applied in rheumatology. Visual feedback is a relatively new tool that enables the patient to visualize as well as monitor a real-time change of their disease activity parameters as well as the patient's reported outcome measures. Integrating electronic data recording in the standard rheumatology clinical practice made visual feedback possible. To evaluate the feasibility of using the visual feedback in patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EA) and how ubiquitous computing technology can improve the patients' compliance and adherence to therapy, this was a double-blind randomized controlled study, which included 111 patients diagnosed to have EA according to the new ACR/EULAR criteria. All patients received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapy and monitored regularly over the period of 1 year. By the 6th month of treatment, the patients were randomly allocated to an active group (55 patients) to whom the visual feedback (visualization of charts showing the progression of disease activity parameters) was added to their management protocol, and a control group (56 patients) who continued their standard management protocols. The patients were monitored for another 6-months period. All the patient's disease activity parameters, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), medications, scores of falls, and cardiovascular risks were recorded electronically. Primary outcome was the change in the patients' adherence to their medications, disease activity score (DAS-28), and PROMs: pain score, patient global assessment, functional disability, and quality of life. Secondary outcome was the answers to a questionnaire completed by every patient in both the active group and control group (using Visual Analogue Scale) by the end of 1 year of management, to rate from the patient's perspective the impact of the management protocol, whether using the standard or visual feedback approach, on them and their disease. The visual feedback provided a significant greater reduction in disease activity parameters as well as improvement of the patients' adherence to antirheumatic therapy (P < 0.01). Also stopping the DMARDs therapy because of intolerance was significantly less in the active group. Concerns about the future was significantly less in the active group whereas inability to coup with daily life and disease stress were significantly more among the control group. The improvement of disease activity parameters was associated with improvement in functional disability and quality of life scores. Mean changes in disease parameters showed no significant differences at 3-6 months of therapy but differences were statistically significant at 12-months follow-up (P < 0.01). Medication compliance was significantly correlated with changes in all measured disease parameters. By recording and monitoring disease activity parameters electronically and incorporating the visual feedback approach into clinical practice, a new experience can be created. Visual feedback enabled the patients to see how they are doing regarding their disease activity and helps to optimize their adherence to their treatment. Visual feedback had a positive and significant impact on the disease activity control.
22397030 Relevance of the lectin pathway of complement in rheumatic diseases. 2012 Due to its importance both in the clearance of pathogens that contribute as rheumatic etiological agents and in the disposal of apoptotic bodies and potential autoimmune initiators, deficiencies of the components of the lectin pathway of complement have been found to increase susceptibility and modulate the severity of most rheumatic disorders. This chapter introduces the general aspects of the structure, function, and genetics of lectin pathway components and summarizes current knowledge of the field regarding rheumatic diseases predisposition and modulation.
22462059 Detection of new epitopes of antibodies to filaggrin in filaggrin protein molecule. 2011 Sep Immunogenic characteristics of filaggrin protein molecule as an antigen for antibodies to filaggrin, markers of early rheumatoid arthritis, were studied. Two new peptide motives, possible epitopes for antibodies to filaggrin, were shown in the filaggrin molecule by predictive analysis using programmed algorithms. Only IMG-3 and its cyclic form IMG-4 exhibited antigenic reactivity with sera from rheumatoid arthritis patients, differing significantly from the reactivity with donor sera. The immunogenic characteristics of IMG-3 differed from the characteristics of a previously described epitope.
22127693 Significant improvement in synovitis, osteitis, and bone erosion following golimumab and m 2011 Dec OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of golimumab on inflammation/structural damage detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Methotrexate (MTX)-naive RA patients (n = 637) were randomized to placebo plus MTX, golimumab 100 mg plus placebo, golimumab 50 mg plus MTX, or golimumab 100 mg plus MTX (subcutaneous golimumab every 4 weeks). Of these, 318 patients participated in an MRI substudy. MRIs (contrast-enhanced; 1.5T) of the wrist and second through fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand were obtained at baseline and weeks 12 and 24. MRIs were scored by 2 independent readers (blinded to image sequence/chronology, patient identity, and treatment group) for synovitis, bone edema/osteitis, and bone erosions using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS) system. Radiographs (hands, wrists, forefeet at baseline and week 28) were scored by 2 other readers (blinded as above) using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde (SvdH) scoring system. Changes from baseline were compared between treatment groups (two-sided analysis of variance on van der Waerden normal scores). RESULTS: At weeks 12 and 24, combined therapy with golimumab plus MTX versus placebo plus MTX significantly improved RAMRIS scores for synovitis (mean -1.92 versus 0.14 [P < 0.001] at week 12; -2.45 versus -1.04 [P < 0.001] at week 24), osteitis (mean -1.82 versus 0.56 [P < 0.001] at week 12; -2.27 versus -0.32 [P < 0.001] at week 24), and bone erosion (mean -0.40 versus 0.24 [P = 0.016] at week 12; -0.40 versus -0.24 [P = 0.010] at week 24). Results of sensitivity analyses (no missing doses/data and using linear extrapolation) were generally consistent with results of the primary analyses. Changes in SvdH scores among the MRI substudy patients at week 28 showed no significant difference between golimumab plus MTX therapy and placebo plus MTX (mean 0.49 versus 0.92; P = 0.19). Radiographic SvdH scores demonstrated inhibition of structural damage progression by treatment with golimumab plus MTX as compared with placebo plus MTX in the overall study population but required double the number of patients (637 versus 318) and double the length of followup (28 versus 12 weeks) as needed for MRI to demonstrate this. CONCLUSION: Improvements in inflammation (synovitis and osteitis) and erosions with golimumab plus MTX therapy exceeded those with placebo plus MTX therapy from week 12 onward, confirming the overall clinical/radiologic findings. MRI was more sensitive than conventional radiography in detecting the progression of erosions.
23276819 The long-term immunosuppressive effects of disulfide-linked HLA-G dimer in mice with colla 2013 Apr HLA-G, a natural immunosuppressant present in the human placenta during pregnancy, prevents fetal destruction by the maternal immune system. The immunosuppressive effect of HLA-G is mediated by the immune cell inhibitory receptors, LILRB1 and LILRB2. HLA-G forms disulfide-linked dimers by natural oxidation, and the dimer associates with LILRB1/B2 much more strongly than the monomer. Furthermore, the dimer formation remarkably enhanced the LILRB-mediated signaling. In this report, we studied the in vivo immunosuppressive effect of the HLA-G dimer, using the collagen-induced arthritis model mouse. Mice were treated with the HLA-G monomer or dimer intracutaneously at the left foot joint, once or for 5 days, and the clinical severity was evaluated daily in a double-blind study. The HLA-G monomer and dimer both produced excellent anti-inflammatory effects with a single, local administration. Notably, as compared to the monomer, the dimer exhibited significant immunosuppressive effects at lower concentrations, which persisted for about two months. In accordance with this result, a binding study revealed that the HLA-G dimer binds PIR-B, the mouse homolog of the LILRBs, with higher affinity and avidity than the monomer. The HLA-G dimer is expected to be quite useful as an anti-rheumatoid arthritis agent, in small amounts with minimal side effects.
22374595 [Multilocular thymic cyst associated with rheumatoid arthritis]. 2012 Mar A 66-year-old woman had been receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis( RA) since her 28 years of age. Chest computed tomography( CT) taken during follow-up showed an anterior mediastinal tumor of 35×20×65 mm in size as a region of heterogeneous internal density. Accumulation of 18F-fluorodeoxyglu cose was identified on positron emission tomography( PET)[ maximum standardized uptake value( SUV max) 8.7]. Thymic epithelial tumor( thymoma or thymic cancer) with cystic degeneration was initially suspected, so total thymectomy was performed. A multilocular, non-invasive tumor mass was completely resected. Pathological diagnosis was lymphoid follicular hyperplasia with concomitant multilocular thymic cyst( MTC). Surgery resulted in alleviation of RA symptoms and a decreased inflammatory response. Inflammation due to autoimmune disease is believed to play an important role in the formation of MTC. In the present case, surgery may have inhibited the progression of RA.
22662108 Autoantibody epitope spreading in the pre-clinical phase predicts progression to rheumatoi 2012 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prototypical autoimmune arthritis affecting nearly 1% of the world population and is a significant cause of worldwide disability. Though prior studies have demonstrated the appearance of RA-related autoantibodies years before the onset of clinical RA, the pattern of immunologic events preceding the development of RA remains unclear. To characterize the evolution of the autoantibody response in the preclinical phase of RA, we used a novel multiplex autoantigen array to evaluate development of the anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and to determine if epitope spread correlates with rise in serum cytokines and imminent onset of clinical RA. To do so, we utilized a cohort of 81 patients with clinical RA for whom stored serum was available from 1-12 years prior to disease onset. We evaluated the accumulation of ACPA subtypes over time and correlated this accumulation with elevations in serum cytokines. We then used logistic regression to identify a profile of biomarkers which predicts the imminent onset of clinical RA (defined as within 2 years of testing). We observed a time-dependent expansion of ACPA specificity with the number of ACPA subtypes. At the earliest timepoints, we found autoantibodies targeting several innate immune ligands including citrullinated histones, fibrinogen, and biglycan, thus providing insights into the earliest autoantigen targets and potential mechanisms underlying the onset and development of autoimmunity in RA. Additionally, expansion of the ACPA response strongly predicted elevations in many inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12p70, and IFN-γ. Thus, we observe that the preclinical phase of RA is characterized by an accumulation of multiple autoantibody specificities reflecting the process of epitope spread. Epitope expansion is closely correlated with the appearance of preclinical inflammation, and we identify a biomarker profile including autoantibodies and cytokines which predicts the imminent onset of clinical arthritis.
22830216 [Anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. 2012 Anemia is characterized by a reduced count of red blood cells and/or low hemoglobin content in blood. The article reviews basic information on pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment of anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anemia in this case is characterized as anemia of a chronic disease. Strong evidence is presented on effective treatment of anemia in RA patients with tocilizumab both in combination with methotrexate and other basic anti-inflammatory drugs and monotherapy in a dose 8 mg/kg.
21234628 The presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) does not affect the clinical 2011 Mar The introduction of antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents has improved the outcome for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To date, the only replicated genetic predictor of anti-TNF response is the -308 G > A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the TNF promoter region. The presence of the -308 TNF G/G genotype appears to be a marker of good response to anti-TNF treatment. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) have been linked with erosive disease, and have been established as the single most reliable prognostic factor in clinical practice. To test the hypothesis that the ACPA status may affect the -308 G/G patients rate of response to TNF blockade, we prospectively investigated a group of 52 RA patients with the -308 G/G genotype who were ACPA (+) or ACPA (-). All patients were treated with adalimumab, and the clinical response was studied using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) at 24 weeks of treatment. Over 85% of patients were DAS28 responders in both groups. No significant differences were found between patients from both groups, according to the DAS28 criteria of response at week 24 (p = 0.79). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the ACPA status does not affect the clinical response to anti-TNF therapy in -308 TNF G/G patients.
22149412 A cytokine-centric view of the pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune arthritis. 2011 Dec Cytokines are immune mediators that play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that targets the synovial joints. The cytokine environment in the peripheral lymphoid tissues and the target organ (the joint) has a strong influence on the outcome of the initial events that trigger autoimmune inflammation. In susceptible individuals, these events drive inflammation and tissue damage in the joints. However, in resistant individuals, the inflammatory events are controlled effectively with minimal or no overt signs of arthritis. Animal models of human RA have permitted comprehensive investigations into the role of cytokines in the initiation, progression, and recovery phases of autoimmune arthritis. The discovery of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its association with inflammation and autoimmune pathology has reshaped our viewpoint regarding the pathogenesis of arthritis, which previously was based on a simplistic T helper 1 (Th1)-Th2 paradigm. This review discusses the role of the newer cytokines, particularly those associated with the IL-17/IL-23 axis in arthritis. Also presented herein is the emerging information on IL-32, IL-33, and IL-35. Ongoing studies examining the role of the newer cytokines in the disease process would improve understanding of RA as well as the development of novel cytokine inhibitors that might be more efficacious than the currently available options.
22896027 Time to disease-modifying antirheumatic drug treatment in rheumatoid arthritis and its pre 2012 Nov OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) under rheumatologic care treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) within 6 months from symptom onset and the components of time to treatment and its predictors. METHODS: A historical inception cohort of 339 patients with RA randomly selected from 18 rheumatology practices was audited. The proportion that initiated DMARD treatment within 6 months from symptom onset was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Time to each component of the care pathway was estimated. Multivariable modeling was used to determine predictors of early treatment using 12 preselected variables available in the clinical charts. Bootstrapping was used to validate the model. RESULTS: Within 6 months from symptom onset, 41% (95% CI 36%-46%) of patients were treated with DMARD. The median time to treatment was 8.4 (interquartile range 3.8-24) months. Events preceding rheumatology referral accounted for 78.1% of the time to treatment. The most prominent predictor of increased time to treatment was a concomitant musculoskeletal condition, such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. The significance of other variables was less consistent across the models investigated. Included variables accounted for 0.69 ± 0.03 of the variability in the model. CONCLUSION: Fewer than 50% of patients with RA are treated with DMARD within 6 months from symptom onset. Time to referral to rheumatology represents the greatest component delay to treatment. Concomitant musculoskeletal condition was the most prominent predictor of delayed initiation of DMARD. Implications of these and other findings warrant further investigation.
21784724 Examination of intra and interrater reliability with a new ultrasonographic reference atla 2011 Nov OBJECTIVE: Synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be scored semiquantitatively (0-3) for B-mode (BM) and power Doppler (PD) ultrasonography. The objective was to assess the reliability of BM and PD examinations with a novel ultrasonographic atlas as reference. METHODS: Representative ultrasound images (including scores 0-3) of BM and PD from 24 different joints were collected to develop an ultrasonographic atlas. Ten RA patients were assessed twice by five rheumatologists performing BM and PD scoring (0-3) of 16 joints bilaterally (metacarpophalangeal 1-5, wrist (radiocarpal, intercarpal, radioulnar), elbow, knee, talocrural and metatarsophalangeal 1-5), with the novel ultrasonographic atlas as a reference. RESULTS: The median (range) percentages of exact agreements for BM/PD assessments were 73.1 (70.3-80.6)/83.7 (76.7-87.6) and for close agreement 98.1 (96.2-99.7)/98.0 (96.8-98.4) with weighted κ values of median (range) 0.77 (0.70-0.83) for BM and 0.83 (0.73-0.86) for PD. The intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for BM/PD scores were 0.95 (0.93-0.99)/0.97 (0.95-0.99) and interrater ICC were 0.95 (0.86-0.99)/0.97 (0.94-1.00). Scoring of 32 joints was completed in median 15 min (range 12-20). CONCLUSION: With the use of an ultrasonographic atlas as reference high intra and interrater reliability was found for BM and PD scoring. This novel atlas may be a useful resource in clinical practice and research.
21618399 Physical activity coaching of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in everyday practice: a l 2011 Jun OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term effects on perceived general health, disease activity, pain, activity limitation and cognitive behavioural factors of a one-year coaching programme performed in ordinary physical therapy practice to promote the adoption of health-enhancing physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A total of 228 patients with early RA, from 10 rheumatology clinics in Sweden, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 94) or a control group (CG; n = 134). The IG was coached by physical therapists during the first year to adopt health-enhancing levels of physical activity (30 minutes/day, moderately intensive, ≥ 4 days/week). No coaching was given during the subsequent year between post-intervention and follow-up. Follow-up assessment consisted of a postal questionnaire on physical activity and of visual analogue scales for ratings of general health perception and pain. The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ) and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS 28) were collected at regular medical check-ups. RESULTS: Sixty-five (69%) participants in the IG and 92 (69%) in the CG completed the entire study period by filling in the follow-up questionnaire on physical activity two years after baseline. The intervention seemed to lack any significant influence on long-term outcome. However, different patterns of change in physical activity behaviour were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: No long-term improvement in perceived general health or other outcomes were found in the follow-up. This may partly be because the intervention lacked several important behavioural elements for physical activity maintenance.
19882340 Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies as a discriminating marker between rheumatoid 2011 Jan Articular involvement is a frequent extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The distinction between HCV-related polyarthropathy and true RA may be very difficult, especially with recent onset RA before articular damage and erosions develop. The objective of the study is to assess the diagnostic utility of anti-CCP antibodies and compare it with that of rheumatoid factor (RF) in distinguishing between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and HCV-related polyarthropathy. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies and RF were determined in the sera of 30 patients with RA and 22 patients with HCV-related polyarthropathy. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive in 83.3% of patients with RA and in 4.5% in patients with HCV and polyarthropathy. RF was positive in 90% of RA patients and in 81.1% of HCV patients with polyarthropathy. The anti-CCP antibodies showed higher specificity for RA compared with RF (95.4 vs. 18.2%). However, the sensitivity of anti-CCP was comparable to that of RF (83.3 vs. 90%). In conclusions, anti-CCP antibodies are reliable laboratory markers to differentiate between RA and HCV-related polyarthropathy.
22802011 Association of hepatitis B with antirheumatic drugs: a case-control study. 2013 Jul BACKGROUND: Though concern of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation by antirheumatic agents has limited therapeutic opportunities in HBV-infected rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the relative risks (RR) among such agents have not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: We compared the reporting of antirheumatic-agent-associated hepatitis B. PATIENTS: We assessed 92 hepatitis B cases and 98,069 controls from a population of 98,161 RA patients registered into the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) adverse event database between 2004 and 2010. MEASUREMENTS: A reporting odds ratio (ROR), a signal suggesting a risk for hepatitis B among antirheumatic agents, was measured. RESULTS: Treatment with corticosteroids [ROR 2.3 (95% confidence interval 1.3-4.0)], methotrexate [4.9 (3.9-6.0)], rituximab [7.2 (5.3-9.9)], tacrolimus [4.2 (1.5-11.9)], or reporting from Japan [2.2 (1.1-4.2)] were associated with higher signal, whereas adalimumab had a lower ROR [0.2 (0.1-0.4)]. LIMITATIONS: There are known limitations of spontaneous reporting, such as underreporting, the Weber effect, reporting bias, indication bias, and limited clinical information such as HBV status. CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab's low reporting rate is most likely be due to notoriety. However, the possibility that adalimumab might suppress reactivation of HBV cannot be denied. Until the possibility is clarified in well-designed clinical studies, physicians should use adalimumab cautiously in patients with HBV.