Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Gregory J. Czuczman, Jacob C. Mandell, Daniel E. Wessell, Leon Lenchik, Shivani Ahlawat, Jonathan C. Baker, R. Carter Cassidy, Jennifer L. Demertzis, Hillary W. Garner, Alan Klitzke, Jennifer R. Maynard, Jennifer L. Pierce, Charles Reitman, Ralf Thiele, William J. Yost, Francesca D. Beaman
Summary: Inflammatory back pain is a key feature of axial spondyloarthritis, and imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment. This document provides evidence-based recommendations on imaging studies for patients with suspected or known axial spondyloarthritis, following the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria guidelines.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Nelly Ziade, Jean El Hajj, Joe Rassi, Sani Hlais, Clementina Lopez-Medina, Sherif M. Gamal, Bassel Elzorkany, Maxime Dougados, Xenofon Baraliakos
Summary: The study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of SpA patients with and without root joint disease. It found that root joint disease was more prevalent in Asian patients, with a higher occurrence in the hip joint than the shoulder joint. The hip joint involvement had a distinct phenotype similar to axSpA, while shoulder involvement was associated with features of pSpA. According to the rheumatologist's diagnosis, hip involvement was more common and clinically distinct compared to shoulder involvement.
Article
Rheumatology
Chong Seng Edwin Lim, Mark Tremelling, Louise Hamilton, Matthew Kim, Alexander Macgregor, Tom Turmezei, Karl Gaffney
Summary: The prevalence of undiagnosed axial spondyloarthritis (RVD-axSpA) in patients with chronic back pain attending routine secondary care IBD clinics is estimated to be 5%. This highlights the significant hidden disease burden among IBD patients and emphasizes the importance of appropriate identification and referral to ensure timely diagnosis and access to appropriate therapy.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Fausto Salaffi, Cesare Siragusano, Alessandra Alciati, Giulia Cassone, Salvatore D'Angelo, Serena Guiducci, Ennio Giulio Favalli, Fabrizio Conti, Elisa Gremese, Florenzo Iannone, Roberto Caporali, Marco Sebastiani, Gian Franco Ferraccioli, Giovanni Lapadula, Fabiola Atzeni
Summary: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a group of chronic rheumatic diseases primarily affecting the axial skeleton. It includes ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, arthritis/spondylitis associated with psoriasis (PsA), and arthritis/spondylitis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Pain is a common and important symptom of axSpA, which can progress to chronic pain and significantly impact the quality of life. The development of axSpA inflammation involves complex interactions between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, as well as dysregulated immune responses. Inhibition of IL-23 and IL-17 has been explored as a potential therapeutic strategy for axSpA.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Rheumatology
Maha Jamal, Elke Theodora Antonia Maria van Delft, Hannah den Braanker, Tjallingius Martijn Kuijper, Johanna Mieke Wilhelmina Hazes, Deirisa Lopes Barreto, Angelique Elisabeth Adriana Maria Weel
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the proportion of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnoses among newly referred patients visiting rheumatology outpatient clinics, as well as the impact of ASAS and CASPAR classification criteria. The study found that the proportion of newly referred patients with axSpA was 19% and with PsA was 18%. However, due to high heterogeneity, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Anne Boel, Clementina Lopez-Medina, Desiree M. F. M. van der Heijde, Floris Alexander van Gaalen
Summary: The majority of axSpA patients globally have an age at onset of axial disease below 45 years, with HLA-B27 and male gender associated with earlier disease onset.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zacarias Sanchez Mila, Teresa Villa Munoz, Maria del Rosario Ferreira Sanchez, Raul Frutos Llanes, Jose Manuel Barragan Casas, David Rodriguez Sanz, Jorge Velazquez Saornil
Summary: This study aimed to reach a consensus on the definition and use of therapeutic exercise (TE) for patients with low back pain (LBP). The results showed that proper TE requires correct posture, body awareness, breathing, movement control, and instruction. The study recommended that patients with LBP participate in supervised TE sessions, receive tailored evaluation and exercise prescription, and consider using specific equipment.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
L. Cereser, A. Zabotti, G. Zancan, L. Quartuccio, C. Ciccio, I. Giovannini, S. De Vita, C. Zuiani, R. Girometti
Summary: The study found substantial intra-and inter-rater reliability in assessing ASAS-positive MRI in patients with IBP and suspected axSpA, while the reliability of inflammatory activity signs varied.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Elvira Favoino, Livio Urso, Alessandra Serafino, Francesca Misceo, Giacomo Catacchio, Marcella Prete, Federico Perosa
Summary: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases strongly associated with HLA-B27, with different SpA subgroups showing varying associations with different HLA allotypes. This study in an Italian population identified novel risk HLA allotypes for different SpA subgroups, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pablo Hernandez-Lucas, Juan Lopez-Barreiro, Jose Luis Garcia-Soidan, Vicente Romo-Perez
Summary: The study indicates that implementing a theoretical-practical program based on the Back School has beneficial effects on low back functionality and reduces the number of medical visits due to low back pain in adult population.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Judith Rademacher, Hanna Mullner, Torsten Diekhoff, Hildrun Haibel, Sabrina Igel, Dominika Pohlmann, Fabian Proft, Mikhail Protopopov, Valeria Rios Rodriguez, Murat Torgutalp, Uwe Pleyer, Denis Poddubnyy
Summary: This study aims to analyze the prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU), identify parameters associated with SpA, and evaluate referral algorithms for identifying patients with a high probability of having SpA. The study found a high prevalence of SpA in AAU patients, with the majority having predominantly axial SpA. Psoriasis, HLA-B27 positivity, elevated C-reactive protein level, and male sex were associated with the presence of SpA. The Dublin Uveitis Evaluation Tool (DUET) showed higher specificity than the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) tool, but both strategies missed over 20% of AAU patients with SpA.
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Muhammad Ahmed Saeed, Hina Ahmed, Muhammad Faiq, Zeeshan Aslam, Saira Elaine Anwer Khan, Shabnam Batool, Sumaira Farman, Nighat Mir Ahmad
Summary: The prevalence of inflammatory back pain was 6.7% as reported by physiotherapists, with 3% confirmed by rheumatologists. The prevalence of radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis was 1%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kate L. Lapane, Divya Shridharmurthy, Sara Khan, Daniel Lindstrom, Ariel Beccia, Esther Yi, Jonathan Kay, Catherine Dube, Shao-Hsien Liu
Summary: Primary care physicians lack awareness of existing axSpA classification criteria and struggle to differentiate between inflammatory and mechanical back pain. They believe an improved screening tool and strong evidence base are necessary, and integrating the screening tool into workflow, possibly through technology, can enhance efficiency in busy primary care practices.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yu Heng Kwan, Jie Kie Phang, Ting Hui Woon, Jean W. Liew, Maureen Dubreuil, Fabian Proft, Sofia Ramiro, Anna Molto, Victoria Navarro-Compan, Manouk de Hooge, Bhowmik Meghnathi, Nelly Ziade, Sizheng Steven Zhao, Maria Llop, Xenofon Baraliakos, Warren Fong
Summary: The use of social media in health care has various benefits, such as education, information dissemination, telemedicine, research, networking, and communications. This study investigated the motivations, barriers, and patterns of social media use among international experts in spondyloarthritis. The findings showed that most participants use social media for work-related purposes, primarily for professional development, establishing a web-based presence, and international collaboration. Challenges to social media adoption need to be addressed to maximize its benefits.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sandra Alcaraz-Clariana, Lourdes Garcia-Luque, Juan Luis Garrido-Castro, I Concepcion Aranda-Valera, Lourdes Ladehesa-Pineda, Maria Angeles Puche-Larrubia, Cristina Carmona-Perez, Daiana Priscila Rodrigues-de-Souza, Francisco Alburquerque-Sendin
Summary: This study demonstrates that muscle mechanical properties differ between patients with axial spondyloarthritis, subacute lower back pain, and healthy controls, with unique patterns of correlations in each study group.
Letter
Rheumatology
Sofia Ramiro, Remy L. M. Mostard, Robert B. M. Landewe
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Robert B. M. Landewe, Sofia Ramiro, Remy L. M. Mostard
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Juergen Braun, Robert B. M. Landewe
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Ricardo J. O. Ferreira, Paco M. J. Welsing, Johannes W. G. Jacobs, Laure Gossec, Mwidimi Ndosi, Pedro M. Machado, Desiree van der Heijde, Jose A. P. Da Silva
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Robert B. M. Landewe, Juergen Braun
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Casper Webers, Augusta Ortolan, Alexandre Sepriano, Louise Falzon, Xenofon Baraliakos, Robert B. M. Landewe, Sofia Ramiro, Desiree van der Heijde, Elena Nikiphorou
Summary: This study aims to provide updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) for the revision of management recommendations. The results showed significant efficacy of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i), while IL-23 inhibitors failed to demonstrate relevant effects. Observational studies are required to confirm the long-term safety of IL-17i.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Augusta Ortolan, Casper Webers, Alexandre Sepriano, Louise Falzon, Xenofon Baraliakos, Robert B. M. Landewe, Sofia Ramiro, Desiree van der Heijde, Elena Nikiphorou
Summary: This study updated the evidence of non-biological treatments for axSpA, providing a basis for the 2022 ASAS-EULAR recommendations. The results showed that education, exercise, and NSAIDs were efficacious in axSpA.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Lotte van Ouwerkerk, Maarten Boers, Paul Emery, Pascal H. P. de Jong, Robert B. M. Landewe, Willem Lems, Josef S. Smolen, Patrick Verschueren, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Cornelia F. Allaart, Sytske Anne Bergstra
Summary: This study investigated whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can discontinue glucocorticoids (GC) after GC 'bridging' in the initial treatment step and identified factors that may affect this. The probability of using GC decreased over time after bridging therapy ended, while the probability of continuous GC use increased. In oral GC bridging studies, the probabilities of later and continuous GC use and the cumulative GC doses were higher compared to studies that included parenteral GC bridging.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Andreas Kerschbaumer, Alexandre Sepriano, Sytske Anne Bergstra, Josef S. Smolen, Desiree van der Heijde, Roberto Caporali, Christopher John Edwards, Patrick Verschueren, Savia de Souza, Janet E. Pope, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Kimme L. Hyrich, Kevin L. Winthrop, Daniel Aletaha, Tanja A. Stamm, Jan W. Schoones, Robert B. M. Landewe
Summary: This study aimed to update the evidence on the efficacy of DMARDs and provide information for the 2022 update of EULAR recommendations for RA management. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the efficacy of cs, b, biosimilar, and tsDMARDs in RA patients. The results showed that csDMARDs combined with short-term glucocorticoids in early RA were as effective as bDMARD+MTX combination therapy. JAK inhibitors were effective in different patient populations. Tapering of DMARDs was feasible for some patients who could maintain low disease activity or achieve remission.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Josef S. Smolen, Robert B. M. Landewe, Sytske Anne Bergstra, Andreas Kerschbaumer, Alexandre Sepriano, Daniel Aletaha, Roberto Caporali, Christopher John Edwards, Kimme L. Hyrich, Janet E. Pope, Savia de Souza, Tanja A. Stamm, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Patrick Verschueren, Kevin L. Winthrop, Alejandro Balsa, Joan M. Bathon, Maya H. Buch, Gerd R. Burmester, Frank Buttgereit, Mario Humberto Cardiel, Katerina Chatzidionysiou, Catalin Codreanu, Maurizio Cutolo, Alfons A. den Broeder, Khadija El Aoufy, Axel Finckh, Joao Eurico Fonseca, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, Espen A. Haavardsholm, Annamaria Iagnocco, Kim Lauper, Zhanguo Li, Iain B. McInnes, Eduardo F. Mysler, Peter Nash, Gyula Poor, Gorica G. Ristic, Felice Rivellese, Andrea Rubbert-Roth, Hendrik Schulze-Koops, Nikolay Stoilov, Anja Strangfeld, Annette van der Helm-van Mil, Elsa van Duuren, Theodora P. M. Vliet Vlieland, Rene Westhovens, Desiree van der Heijde
Summary: This study provides an update on the management recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on the latest developments in the field. The recommendations cover various aspects including medication use, combination therapy, treatment strategies, and dose reduction. The consensus was reached on 5 overarching principles and 11 specific recommendations.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Alexandre Sepriano, Andreas Kerschbaumer, Sytske Anne Bergstra, Josef S. Smolen, Desiree van der Heijde, Roberto Caporali, Christopher J. Edwards, Patrick Verschueren, Savia de Souza, Janet Pope, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Kimme Hyrich, Kevin L. Winthrop, Daniel Aletaha, Tanja Stamm, Jan W. Schoones, Robert B. M. Landewe
Summary: This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to evaluate the safety of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results indicated that bDMARDs were associated with an increased risk of serious infections compared to csDMARDs, while JAK inhibitors (JAKi) showed higher risk of herpes zoster infections. The risks of malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were similar among different treatments.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Correction
Rheumatology
Bernard G. Combe, Yoshiya Tanaka, Maya H. Buch, Peter Nash, Gerd R. Burmester, Alan J. Kivitz, Beatrix Bartok, Alena Pechonkina, Katrina Xia, Kahaku Emoto, Shungo Kano, Thijs K. Hendrikx, Robert B. M. Landewe, Daniel Aletaha
RHEUMATOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Mary Lucy Marques, Nuno Pereira da Silva, Desiree van der Heijde, Rosalinde Stal, Xenofon Baraliakos, Juergen Braun, Monique Reijnierse, Caroline Bastiaenen, Sofia Ramiro, Floris A. van Gaalen
Summary: The study investigated the association between inflammation and lower trabecular bone density (TBD) in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), and whether a lower TBD increases the likelihood of 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra. The study found that inflammation was associated with lower TBD, but lower TBD itself did not increase the risk of new bone formation at the same vertebra.
Article
Rheumatology
Robert Landewe, Luna Sun, Yun-Fei Chen, Daojun Mo, Desiree van der Heijde
Summary: Demonstrating the inhibition of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis trials is commonly achieved through statistically significant differences in radiographic progression measured by the mTSS. The frequently used ANCOVA+LE method for handling missing data may not be ideal for long-term extension or paediatric studies. The RC model shows better performance in terms of bias, RMSE, power and type I error rate, making it a more sensitive and precise alternative for analysing mTSS in studies with missing data.
Article
Rheumatology
Rosalinde Stal, Sofia Ramiro, Desiree van der Heijde, Floris A. van Gaalen, Xenofon Baraliakos, Pedro M. Machado, Manouk de Hooge, Rosaline van den Berg, Monique Reijnierse, Juergen Braun, Robert Landewe, Alexandre Sepriano
Summary: In patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, vertebral corner inflammation can lead to the development of syndesmophytes, but only a small portion of this effect is explained by vertebral corner fat deposition.