MDedge Rheumatology

Key clinical point: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) were at an increased risk for mortality, with age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus with end-organ damage (DM-EOD), and corticosteroid dose being the major risk factors.

Major finding: Risk for mortality was higher in patients with RA-ILD vs RA without ILD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.38; 95% CI 2.03-9.43). Age at ILD diagnosis (aHR 1.05; P < .001), comorbidities, such as COPD (aHR 2.12; P  =  .005) and DM-EOD (aHR 33.85; P  =  .002), and average daily prednisolone dose (aHR 1.09; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk for mortality in patients with RA-ILD.

Study details: Findings are from a population-based cohort study including patients with RA-ILD (n = 214) and RA without ILD (n = 30,882) who were propensity-matched (1:1) for selected comorbidities.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Ng K-H et al. Analysis of risk factors of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients with interstitial lung disease: A nationwide, population-based cohort study in Taiwan. RMD Open. 2022;8(2):e002343 (Aug 22). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002343

Key clinical point: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) were at an increased risk for mortality, with age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus with end-organ damage (DM-EOD), and corticosteroid dose being the major risk factors.

Major finding: Risk for mortality was higher in patients with RA-ILD vs RA without ILD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.38; 95% CI 2.03-9.43). Age at ILD diagnosis (aHR 1.05; P < .001), comorbidities, such as COPD (aHR 2.12; P  =  .005) and DM-EOD (aHR 33.85; P  =  .002), and average daily prednisolone dose (aHR 1.09; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk for mortality in patients with RA-ILD.

Study details: Findings are from a population-based cohort study including patients with RA-ILD (n = 214) and RA without ILD (n = 30,882) who were propensity-matched (1:1) for selected comorbidities.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Ng K-H et al. Analysis of risk factors of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients with interstitial lung disease: A nationwide, population-based cohort study in Taiwan. RMD Open. 2022;8(2):e002343 (Aug 22). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002343

Key clinical point: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) were at an increased risk for mortality, with age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus with end-organ damage (DM-EOD), and corticosteroid dose being the major risk factors.

Major finding: Risk for mortality was higher in patients with RA-ILD vs RA without ILD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.38; 95% CI 2.03-9.43). Age at ILD diagnosis (aHR 1.05; P < .001), comorbidities, such as COPD (aHR 2.12; P  =  .005) and DM-EOD (aHR 33.85; P  =  .002), and average daily prednisolone dose (aHR 1.09; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk for mortality in patients with RA-ILD.

Study details: Findings are from a population-based cohort study including patients with RA-ILD (n = 214) and RA without ILD (n = 30,882) who were propensity-matched (1:1) for selected comorbidities.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Source: Ng K-H et al. Analysis of risk factors of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients with interstitial lung disease: A nationwide, population-based cohort study in Taiwan. RMD Open. 2022;8(2):e002343 (Aug 22). Doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002343

Key clinical point: Ultra-low dosing and repeated COVID-19 vaccination as late as possible after the latest rituximab infusion seems to be the best vaccination strategy in rituximab-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: Humoral response after the third COVID-19 vaccination was numerically higher with 200 vs 1000 mg as the latest rituximab dose for the first vaccination (38% vs 15%; P  =  .06), with a trend toward improved response observed with a longer time between rituximab infusion and vaccination (odds ratio 1.16 per month increased time; P  =  .10). Overall, the humoral response persisted in 96% of patients, with response being persistent in 89% of patients despite intercurrent rituximab infusion.

Study details: Findings are from a follow-up study of the RTX-COVAC cohort including 121 rituximab-treated patients with RA who received a third COVID-19 vaccination.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. AA den Broeder reported receiving grants outside the submitted work from various sources. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: van der Togt CJT et al. Seroconversion after a third COVID-19 vaccine is affected by rituximab dose but persistence is not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2022 (Aug 24). Doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac486

Key clinical point: Ultra-low dosing and repeated COVID-19 vaccination as late as possible after the latest rituximab infusion seems to be the best vaccination strategy in rituximab-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: Humoral response after the third COVID-19 vaccination was numerically higher with 200 vs 1000 mg as the latest rituximab dose for the first vaccination (38% vs 15%; P  =  .06), with a trend toward improved response observed with a longer time between rituximab infusion and vaccination (odds ratio 1.16 per month increased time; P  =  .10). Overall, the humoral response persisted in 96% of patients, with response being persistent in 89% of patients despite intercurrent rituximab infusion.

Study details: Findings are from a follow-up study of the RTX-COVAC cohort including 121 rituximab-treated patients with RA who received a third COVID-19 vaccination.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. AA den Broeder reported receiving grants outside the submitted work from various sources. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: van der Togt CJT et al. Seroconversion after a third COVID-19 vaccine is affected by rituximab dose but persistence is not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2022 (Aug 24). Doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac486

Key clinical point: Ultra-low dosing and repeated COVID-19 vaccination as late as possible after the latest rituximab infusion seems to be the best vaccination strategy in rituximab-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Major finding: Humoral response after the third COVID-19 vaccination was numerically higher with 200 vs 1000 mg as the latest rituximab dose for the first vaccination (38% vs 15%; P  =  .06), with a trend toward improved response observed with a longer time between rituximab infusion and vaccination (odds ratio 1.16 per month increased time; P  =  .10). Overall, the humoral response persisted in 96% of patients, with response being persistent in 89% of patients despite intercurrent rituximab infusion.

Study details: Findings are from a follow-up study of the RTX-COVAC cohort including 121 rituximab-treated patients with RA who received a third COVID-19 vaccination.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. AA den Broeder reported receiving grants outside the submitted work from various sources. The other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: van der Togt CJT et al. Seroconversion after a third COVID-19 vaccine is affected by rituximab dose but persistence is not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2022 (Aug 24). Doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac486

Key clinical point: Despite no significant treatment difference between the sexes, the time-averaged difference in remission rates between men and women with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was significantly greater with tocilizumab than with active conventional treatment.

Major finding: The remission rates were only numerically higher in men vs women. However, when averaged over time, tocilizumab vs active conventional therapy was associated with a higher probability of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission in men (risk difference [RD] 0.12; P  =  .04) but with a lower probability of CDAI remission in women (RD −0.05; P  =  .17).

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of the phase 4 trial, NORD-STAR, including 812 treatment-naive patients with early RA who were randomly assigned to receive active conventional treatment or certolizumab-pegol or abatacept or tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. Several authors reported receiving institutional grants, honoraria, consulting or personal fees, travel support, or personal data safety monitoring or advisory board fees from various sources.

Source: Lend K et al. Sex differences in remission rates over 24 weeks among three different biological treatments compared to conventional therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (NORD-STAR): A post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 23). Doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(22)00186-2

Key clinical point: Despite no significant treatment difference between the sexes, the time-averaged difference in remission rates between men and women with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was significantly greater with tocilizumab than with active conventional treatment.

Major finding: The remission rates were only numerically higher in men vs women. However, when averaged over time, tocilizumab vs active conventional therapy was associated with a higher probability of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission in men (risk difference [RD] 0.12; P  =  .04) but with a lower probability of CDAI remission in women (RD −0.05; P  =  .17).

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of the phase 4 trial, NORD-STAR, including 812 treatment-naive patients with early RA who were randomly assigned to receive active conventional treatment or certolizumab-pegol or abatacept or tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. Several authors reported receiving institutional grants, honoraria, consulting or personal fees, travel support, or personal data safety monitoring or advisory board fees from various sources.

Source: Lend K et al. Sex differences in remission rates over 24 weeks among three different biological treatments compared to conventional therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (NORD-STAR): A post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 23). Doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(22)00186-2

Key clinical point: Despite no significant treatment difference between the sexes, the time-averaged difference in remission rates between men and women with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was significantly greater with tocilizumab than with active conventional treatment.

Major finding: The remission rates were only numerically higher in men vs women. However, when averaged over time, tocilizumab vs active conventional therapy was associated with a higher probability of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission in men (risk difference [RD] 0.12; P  =  .04) but with a lower probability of CDAI remission in women (RD −0.05; P  =  .17).

Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of the phase 4 trial, NORD-STAR, including 812 treatment-naive patients with early RA who were randomly assigned to receive active conventional treatment or certolizumab-pegol or abatacept or tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. Several authors reported receiving institutional grants, honoraria, consulting or personal fees, travel support, or personal data safety monitoring or advisory board fees from various sources.

Source: Lend K et al. Sex differences in remission rates over 24 weeks among three different biological treatments compared to conventional therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (NORD-STAR): A post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 23). Doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(22)00186-2

Key clinical point: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to methotrexate (methotrexate-IR), olokizumab fared better than placebo and was noninferior to adalimumab in improving the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) response by ≥ 20%.

Major finding: Olokizumab once every 2 (q2w) or 4 weeks (q4w) was superior to placebo (P < .001 for superiority) for ACR20. However, a similar proportion of patients receiving olokizumab q2w (difference 3.4 percentage points; 97.5% CI −3.5 to 10.2) and q4w (difference 4.5 percentage points; 97.5% CI −2.2 to 11.2) vs adalimumab achieved ACR20 at week 12, with the incidence of serious adverse events being similar.

Study details: Findings are from the CREDO2  phase 3 trial, including 1648 patients with RA who were taking methotrexate-IR who were randomly assigned to receive 64 mg olokizumab (q2w/q4w), 40 mg adalimumab (q2w), or placebo (q2w) while continuing methotrexate.

Disclosures: This study was supported by R-Pharm. Three authors declared being employees of R-Pharm. Several authors served as consultants or received grants or contracts from various sources, including R-Pharm.

Source: Smolen JS et al. Olokizumab versus placebo or adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(8):715-726 (Aug 25). Doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2201302

Key clinical point: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to methotrexate (methotrexate-IR), olokizumab fared better than placebo and was noninferior to adalimumab in improving the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) response by ≥ 20%.

Major finding: Olokizumab once every 2 (q2w) or 4 weeks (q4w) was superior to placebo (P < .001 for superiority) for ACR20. However, a similar proportion of patients receiving olokizumab q2w (difference 3.4 percentage points; 97.5% CI −3.5 to 10.2) and q4w (difference 4.5 percentage points; 97.5% CI −2.2 to 11.2) vs adalimumab achieved ACR20 at week 12, with the incidence of serious adverse events being similar.

Study details: Findings are from the CREDO2  phase 3 trial, including 1648 patients with RA who were taking methotrexate-IR who were randomly assigned to receive 64 mg olokizumab (q2w/q4w), 40 mg adalimumab (q2w), or placebo (q2w) while continuing methotrexate.

Disclosures: This study was supported by R-Pharm. Three authors declared being employees of R-Pharm. Several authors served as consultants or received grants or contracts from various sources, including R-Pharm.

Source: Smolen JS et al. Olokizumab versus placebo or adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(8):715-726 (Aug 25). Doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2201302

Key clinical point: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to methotrexate (methotrexate-IR), olokizumab fared better than placebo and was noninferior to adalimumab in improving the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) response by ≥ 20%.

Major finding: Olokizumab once every 2 (q2w) or 4 weeks (q4w) was superior to placebo (P < .001 for superiority) for ACR20. However, a similar proportion of patients receiving olokizumab q2w (difference 3.4 percentage points; 97.5% CI −3.5 to 10.2) and q4w (difference 4.5 percentage points; 97.5% CI −2.2 to 11.2) vs adalimumab achieved ACR20 at week 12, with the incidence of serious adverse events being similar.

Study details: Findings are from the CREDO2  phase 3 trial, including 1648 patients with RA who were taking methotrexate-IR who were randomly assigned to receive 64 mg olokizumab (q2w/q4w), 40 mg adalimumab (q2w), or placebo (q2w) while continuing methotrexate.

Disclosures: This study was supported by R-Pharm. Three authors declared being employees of R-Pharm. Several authors served as consultants or received grants or contracts from various sources, including R-Pharm.

Source: Smolen JS et al. Olokizumab versus placebo or adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(8):715-726 (Aug 25). Doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2201302

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved dactylitis irrespective of the location and prevented its emergence in the majority of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: In patients with Dactylitis Severity Scores (DSS) > 0, 10 mg tofacitinib twice daily vs placebo led to greater improvements in DSS for feet and other locations at month 1. By month 6, ≤15% of patients with DSS > 0 and <2% of patients with DSS = 0 reported the presence of dactylitis in all digits in the tofacitinib group.

Study details: Findings are from a post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials including 710 patients with active PsA and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OPAL Broaden) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (OPAL Beyond) and who received 5/10 mg tofacitinib twice daily or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Three authors declared being employees and shareholders of Pfizer. The other authors reported ties with several sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Post-hoc analysis of phase III studies. BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):68 (Sep 1). Doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00298-4

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved dactylitis irrespective of the location and prevented its emergence in the majority of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: In patients with Dactylitis Severity Scores (DSS) > 0, 10 mg tofacitinib twice daily vs placebo led to greater improvements in DSS for feet and other locations at month 1. By month 6, ≤15% of patients with DSS > 0 and <2% of patients with DSS = 0 reported the presence of dactylitis in all digits in the tofacitinib group.

Study details: Findings are from a post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials including 710 patients with active PsA and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OPAL Broaden) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (OPAL Beyond) and who received 5/10 mg tofacitinib twice daily or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Three authors declared being employees and shareholders of Pfizer. The other authors reported ties with several sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Post-hoc analysis of phase III studies. BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):68 (Sep 1). Doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00298-4

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved dactylitis irrespective of the location and prevented its emergence in the majority of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: In patients with Dactylitis Severity Scores (DSS) > 0, 10 mg tofacitinib twice daily vs placebo led to greater improvements in DSS for feet and other locations at month 1. By month 6, ≤15% of patients with DSS > 0 and <2% of patients with DSS = 0 reported the presence of dactylitis in all digits in the tofacitinib group.

Study details: Findings are from a post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials including 710 patients with active PsA and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OPAL Broaden) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (OPAL Beyond) and who received 5/10 mg tofacitinib twice daily or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Three authors declared being employees and shareholders of Pfizer. The other authors reported ties with several sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Post-hoc analysis of phase III studies. BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):68 (Sep 1). Doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00298-4

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved dactylitis irrespective of the location and prevented its emergence in the majority of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: In patients with Dactylitis Severity Scores (DSS) > 0, 10 mg tofacitinib twice daily vs placebo led to greater improvements in DSS for feet and other locations at month 1. By month 6, ≤15% of patients with DSS > 0 and <2% of patients with DSS = 0 reported the presence of dactylitis in all digits in the tofacitinib group.

Study details: Findings are from a post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials including 710 patients with active PsA and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OPAL Broaden) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (OPAL Beyond) and who received 5/10 mg tofacitinib twice daily or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Three authors declared being employees and shareholders of Pfizer. The other authors reported ties with several sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Post-hoc analysis of phase III studies. BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):68 (Sep 1). Doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00298-4

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved dactylitis irrespective of the location and prevented its emergence in the majority of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: In patients with Dactylitis Severity Scores (DSS) > 0, 10 mg tofacitinib twice daily vs placebo led to greater improvements in DSS for feet and other locations at month 1. By month 6, ≤15% of patients with DSS > 0 and <2% of patients with DSS = 0 reported the presence of dactylitis in all digits in the tofacitinib group.

Study details: Findings are from a post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials including 710 patients with active PsA and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OPAL Broaden) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (OPAL Beyond) and who received 5/10 mg tofacitinib twice daily or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Three authors declared being employees and shareholders of Pfizer. The other authors reported ties with several sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Post-hoc analysis of phase III studies. BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):68 (Sep 1). Doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00298-4

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved dactylitis irrespective of the location and prevented its emergence in the majority of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Major finding: In patients with Dactylitis Severity Scores (DSS) > 0, 10 mg tofacitinib twice daily vs placebo led to greater improvements in DSS for feet and other locations at month 1. By month 6, ≤15% of patients with DSS > 0 and <2% of patients with DSS = 0 reported the presence of dactylitis in all digits in the tofacitinib group.

Study details: Findings are from a post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials including 710 patients with active PsA and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OPAL Broaden) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (OPAL Beyond) and who received 5/10 mg tofacitinib twice daily or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Three authors declared being employees and shareholders of Pfizer. The other authors reported ties with several sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: Post-hoc analysis of phase III studies. BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):68 (Sep 1). Doi: 10.1186/s41927-022-00298-4

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who received strategic treatment with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD) based on peripheral T-lymphocyte phenotyping achieved greater reduction in disease activity than patients who did not undergo phenotyping or bDMARD selection strategy.

Major finding: A significantly higher proportion of patients in the strategic vs standard bDMARD treatment group achieved disease activity of PsA-remission (90.2% vs 67.8%; P  =  .0132) and minimal disease activity (80.5% vs 60.7%; P  =  .0464) by month 6.

Study details: Findings are from a real-world, retrospective study that included 97 patients with PsA who received bDMARD for ≥1 year and compared 1-year treatment response between the strategic (n = 41) and standard (n = 56) bDMARD treatment groups.

Disclosures: This work was supported by Research on Rare and Intractable Diseases and Research Grant-In-Aid for Scientific Research by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan, and other sources. The authors declared receiving grants, honoraria, speaking fees, or consulting fees from several sources.

Source: Miyagawa I et al. Precision medicine based on the phenotypic differences in peripheral T helper cells in patients with psoriatic arthritis: One year follow-up outcomes. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:934937 (Jul 27). Doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.934937

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who received strategic treatment with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD) based on peripheral T-lymphocyte phenotyping achieved greater reduction in disease activity than patients who did not undergo phenotyping or bDMARD selection strategy.

Major finding: A significantly higher proportion of patients in the strategic vs standard bDMARD treatment group achieved disease activity of PsA-remission (90.2% vs 67.8%; P  =  .0132) and minimal disease activity (80.5% vs 60.7%; P  =  .0464) by month 6.

Study details: Findings are from a real-world, retrospective study that included 97 patients with PsA who received bDMARD for ≥1 year and compared 1-year treatment response between the strategic (n = 41) and standard (n = 56) bDMARD treatment groups.

Disclosures: This work was supported by Research on Rare and Intractable Diseases and Research Grant-In-Aid for Scientific Research by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan, and other sources. The authors declared receiving grants, honoraria, speaking fees, or consulting fees from several sources.

Source: Miyagawa I et al. Precision medicine based on the phenotypic differences in peripheral T helper cells in patients with psoriatic arthritis: One year follow-up outcomes. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:934937 (Jul 27). Doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.934937

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who received strategic treatment with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD) based on peripheral T-lymphocyte phenotyping achieved greater reduction in disease activity than patients who did not undergo phenotyping or bDMARD selection strategy.

Major finding: A significantly higher proportion of patients in the strategic vs standard bDMARD treatment group achieved disease activity of PsA-remission (90.2% vs 67.8%; P  =  .0132) and minimal disease activity (80.5% vs 60.7%; P  =  .0464) by month 6.

Study details: Findings are from a real-world, retrospective study that included 97 patients with PsA who received bDMARD for ≥1 year and compared 1-year treatment response between the strategic (n = 41) and standard (n = 56) bDMARD treatment groups.

Disclosures: This work was supported by Research on Rare and Intractable Diseases and Research Grant-In-Aid for Scientific Research by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan, and other sources. The authors declared receiving grants, honoraria, speaking fees, or consulting fees from several sources.

Source: Miyagawa I et al. Precision medicine based on the phenotypic differences in peripheral T helper cells in patients with psoriatic arthritis: One year follow-up outcomes. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:934937 (Jul 27). Doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.934937

Key clinical point: Tools like Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) and body mass index (BMI) can predict the 2-year risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis (PsO).

Major finding: Approximately 10% of patients with PsO developed PsA after 2 years. PEST, BMI, modified Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index, work status, alcohol use, and fatigue (area under the curve [AUC] 68.9%; sensitivity 82.9%; specificity 48.8%) were most efficient in predicting PsA development; however, another model including only PEST and BMI produced similar results (AUC 68.8%; sensitivity 92.7%; specificity 36.5%).

Study details: The findings are from a prospective cohort study including 1489 patients with PsO and no prior diagnosis of PsA from the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry who were followed-up for 24 months.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by CorEvitas, LLC. Three authors declared being employees of CorEvitas, LLC, and the other authors reported ties with several sources, including CorEvitas.

Source: Ogdie A et al. Prospective cohort study of psoriatic arthritis risk in patients with psoriasis in a real-world psoriasis registry. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 (Aug 17). Doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.060

Key clinical point: Tools like Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) and body mass index (BMI) can predict the 2-year risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis (PsO).

Major finding: Approximately 10% of patients with PsO developed PsA after 2 years. PEST, BMI, modified Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index, work status, alcohol use, and fatigue (area under the curve [AUC] 68.9%; sensitivity 82.9%; specificity 48.8%) were most efficient in predicting PsA development; however, another model including only PEST and BMI produced similar results (AUC 68.8%; sensitivity 92.7%; specificity 36.5%).

Study details: The findings are from a prospective cohort study including 1489 patients with PsO and no prior diagnosis of PsA from the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry who were followed-up for 24 months.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by CorEvitas, LLC. Three authors declared being employees of CorEvitas, LLC, and the other authors reported ties with several sources, including CorEvitas.

Source: Ogdie A et al. Prospective cohort study of psoriatic arthritis risk in patients with psoriasis in a real-world psoriasis registry. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 (Aug 17). Doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.060

Key clinical point: Tools like Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) and body mass index (BMI) can predict the 2-year risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis (PsO).

Major finding: Approximately 10% of patients with PsO developed PsA after 2 years. PEST, BMI, modified Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index, work status, alcohol use, and fatigue (area under the curve [AUC] 68.9%; sensitivity 82.9%; specificity 48.8%) were most efficient in predicting PsA development; however, another model including only PEST and BMI produced similar results (AUC 68.8%; sensitivity 92.7%; specificity 36.5%).

Study details: The findings are from a prospective cohort study including 1489 patients with PsO and no prior diagnosis of PsA from the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry who were followed-up for 24 months.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by CorEvitas, LLC. Three authors declared being employees of CorEvitas, LLC, and the other authors reported ties with several sources, including CorEvitas.

Source: Ogdie A et al. Prospective cohort study of psoriatic arthritis risk in patients with psoriasis in a real-world psoriasis registry. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 (Aug 17). Doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.060

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were currently experiencing flares had worse quality of life (QoL), greater disability, and impaired work productivity compared with those who had not experienced flare ever or in the last 12 months.

Major finding: Currently, 168 patients were diagnosed with flare by a physician. Compared with patients who had not experienced flare ever or in the last 12 months, those who were currently experiencing flares had lower QoL scores and higher overall work impairment, disability, and a greater disease impact on patient’s QoL (all P < .01).

Study details: Findings are from the Adelphi PsA Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey including 2238 patients with PsA and physician-reported flare status data.

Disclosures: The Adelphi SpA IV Disease Specific Programme was funded by Janssen. Two authors declared being employees of Adelphi Real World, and two authors declared being employees of Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The other authors reported receiving research grants and consulting fees from several sources.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Impact of physician-defined flares on quality of life and work impairment: An international survey of 2,238 psoriatic arthritis patients. J Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 15). Doi: 10.3899/jrheum.211302

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were currently experiencing flares had worse quality of life (QoL), greater disability, and impaired work productivity compared with those who had not experienced flare ever or in the last 12 months.

Major finding: Currently, 168 patients were diagnosed with flare by a physician. Compared with patients who had not experienced flare ever or in the last 12 months, those who were currently experiencing flares had lower QoL scores and higher overall work impairment, disability, and a greater disease impact on patient’s QoL (all P < .01).

Study details: Findings are from the Adelphi PsA Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey including 2238 patients with PsA and physician-reported flare status data.

Disclosures: The Adelphi SpA IV Disease Specific Programme was funded by Janssen. Two authors declared being employees of Adelphi Real World, and two authors declared being employees of Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The other authors reported receiving research grants and consulting fees from several sources.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Impact of physician-defined flares on quality of life and work impairment: An international survey of 2,238 psoriatic arthritis patients. J Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 15). Doi: 10.3899/jrheum.211302

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were currently experiencing flares had worse quality of life (QoL), greater disability, and impaired work productivity compared with those who had not experienced flare ever or in the last 12 months.

Major finding: Currently, 168 patients were diagnosed with flare by a physician. Compared with patients who had not experienced flare ever or in the last 12 months, those who were currently experiencing flares had lower QoL scores and higher overall work impairment, disability, and a greater disease impact on patient’s QoL (all P < .01).

Study details: Findings are from the Adelphi PsA Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey including 2238 patients with PsA and physician-reported flare status data.

Disclosures: The Adelphi SpA IV Disease Specific Programme was funded by Janssen. Two authors declared being employees of Adelphi Real World, and two authors declared being employees of Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The other authors reported receiving research grants and consulting fees from several sources.

Source: Orbai AM et al. Impact of physician-defined flares on quality of life and work impairment: An international survey of 2,238 psoriatic arthritis patients. J Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 15). Doi: 10.3899/jrheum.211302

Key clinical point: Methotrexate (MTX)-related side effects were more prevalent in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) vs rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)-related side effects were equally prevalent in patients with PsA and RA.

Major finding: In the first year, a higher proportion of patients with PsA vs RA reported MTX-related side effects (44.8% vs 29.4%), but similar proportions of patients with PsA (24.2%) and RA (22.8%) reported TNFi-related side effects. Patients with PsA vs RA were 1.8 times more likely to experience side effects with MTX (odds ratio 1.77; 95% CI 1.21-2.60).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective cohort study including new initiators of MTX (PsA: n = 116 and RA: n = 4247) and TNFi (PsA: n = 124 and RA: n = 4361).

Disclosures: This study was funded by Amgen Inc. Two authors declared being employees or owning stocks in Amgen. The other authors declared receiving grants, funding, honoraria, or consulting fees from several sources, including Amgen.

Source: Ogdie A et al. Side effects of methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: Differences in tolerability among patients with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 15). Doi: 10.1002/acr2.11467

Key clinical point: Methotrexate (MTX)-related side effects were more prevalent in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) vs rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)-related side effects were equally prevalent in patients with PsA and RA.

Major finding: In the first year, a higher proportion of patients with PsA vs RA reported MTX-related side effects (44.8% vs 29.4%), but similar proportions of patients with PsA (24.2%) and RA (22.8%) reported TNFi-related side effects. Patients with PsA vs RA were 1.8 times more likely to experience side effects with MTX (odds ratio 1.77; 95% CI 1.21-2.60).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective cohort study including new initiators of MTX (PsA: n = 116 and RA: n = 4247) and TNFi (PsA: n = 124 and RA: n = 4361).

Disclosures: This study was funded by Amgen Inc. Two authors declared being employees or owning stocks in Amgen. The other authors declared receiving grants, funding, honoraria, or consulting fees from several sources, including Amgen.

Source: Ogdie A et al. Side effects of methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: Differences in tolerability among patients with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 15). Doi: 10.1002/acr2.11467

Key clinical point: Methotrexate (MTX)-related side effects were more prevalent in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) vs rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)-related side effects were equally prevalent in patients with PsA and RA.

Major finding: In the first year, a higher proportion of patients with PsA vs RA reported MTX-related side effects (44.8% vs 29.4%), but similar proportions of patients with PsA (24.2%) and RA (22.8%) reported TNFi-related side effects. Patients with PsA vs RA were 1.8 times more likely to experience side effects with MTX (odds ratio 1.77; 95% CI 1.21-2.60).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective cohort study including new initiators of MTX (PsA: n = 116 and RA: n = 4247) and TNFi (PsA: n = 124 and RA: n = 4361).

Disclosures: This study was funded by Amgen Inc. Two authors declared being employees or owning stocks in Amgen. The other authors declared receiving grants, funding, honoraria, or consulting fees from several sources, including Amgen.

Source: Ogdie A et al. Side effects of methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: Differences in tolerability among patients with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2022 (Aug 15). Doi: 10.1002/acr2.11467