Rheumatology

Article Rheumatology

Evaluation of Immune Response and Disease Status in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Peter M. Izmirly, Mimi Y. Kim, Marie Samanovic, Ruth Fernandez-Ruiz, Sharon Ohana, Kristina K. Deonaraine, Alexis J. Engel, Mala Masson, Xianhong Xie, Amber R. Cornelius, Ramin S. Herati, Rebecca H. Haberman, Jose U. Scher, Allison Guttmann, Rebecca B. Blank, Benjamin Plotz, Mayce Haj-Ali, Brittany Banbury, Sara Stream, Ghadeer Hasan, Gary Ho, Paula Rackoff, Ashira D. Blazer, Chung-E Tseng, H. Michael Belmont, Amit Saxena, Mark J. Mulligan, Robert M. Clancy, Jill P. Buyon

Summary: In a multiethnic/multiracial study of SLE patients, 29% had a low response to the COVID-19 vaccine which was associated with receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Severe disease flares were rare.

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Disease Flare and Reactogenicity in Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Following Two-Dose SARS-CoV-2 Messenger RNA Vaccination

Caoilfhionn M. Connolly, Jake A. Ruddy, Brian J. Boyarsky, Iulia Barbur, William A. Werbel, Duvuru Geetha, Jacqueline M. Garonzik-Wang, Dorry L. Segev, Lisa Christopher-Stine, Julie J. Paik

Summary: Disease flares following 2-dose SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in patients with RMDs were uncommon, with no reports of severe flares. Injection site pain and fatigue were the most frequently reported reactions. Factors such as prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, flares in the preceding 6 months, and the use of combination immunomodulatory therapy were associated with flares.

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Two-dose COVID-19 vaccination and possible arthritis flare among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Hong Kong

Xue Li, Xinning Tong, Winnie Wan Yin Yeung, Peng Kuan, Samson Hin Hei Yum, Celine Sze Ling Chui, Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai, Eric Yuk Fai Wan, Carlos King Ho Wong, Esther Wai Yin Chan, Chak Sing Lau, Ian Chi Kei Wong

Summary: This study found no significant association between COVID-19 full vaccination (including mRNA and inactivated virus vaccines) and possible arthritis flare among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the distribution of weekly rheumatic drug prescriptions among the three groups of patients since the launch of the vaccination program.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Article Rheumatology

EULAR points to consider for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis

Gyorgy Nagy, Nadia M. T. Roodenrijs, Paco M. J. Welsing, Melinda Kedves, Attila Hamar, Marlies C. van der Goes, Alison Kent, Margot Bakkers, Polina Pchelnikova, Etienne Blaas, Ladislav Senolt, Zoltan Szekanecz, Ernest H. Choy, Maxime Dougados, Johannes W. G. Jacobs, Rinie Geenen, Johannes W. J. Bijlsma, Angela Zink, Daniel Aletaha, Leonard Schoneveld, Piet van Riel, Sophie Dumas, Yeliz Prior, Elena Nikiphorou, Gianfranco Ferraccioli, Georg Schett, Kimme L. Hyrich, Ulf Mueller-Ladner, Maya H. Buch, Iain B. McInnes, Desiree van der Heijde, Jacob M. van Laar

Summary: The EULAR Task Force developed evidence-based points to consider for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis, covering diagnostic confirmation, evaluation of inflammatory disease activity, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, treatment adherence, functional disability, pain, fatigue, goal setting, self-efficacy, and impact of comorbidities. The strength of recommendations varied from level C to D, with a generally high level of agreement.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Review Orthopedics

Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors

Somaye Kazeminasab, Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Parastoo Amiri, Hojjat Pourfathi, Mostafa Araj-Khodaei, Mark J. M. Sullman, Ali-Asghar Kolahi, Saeid Safiri

Summary: This literature review provides an overview of the global epidemiology and trends of neck pain, as well as the psychological and biological risk factors associated with its initiation and progression. The study reveals that long-term stress, lack of social support, anxiety, and depression are important psychological risk factors for neck pain, while certain diseases and demographic characteristics such as age and sex can also influence its occurrence and development.

BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (2022)

Review Rheumatology

Global epidemiology of vasculitis

Richard A. Watts, Gulen Hatemi, Jane C. Burns, Aladdin J. Mohammad

Summary: Vasculitis, inflammation of the blood vessels, takes on various forms and can lead to serious consequences such as kidney failure and vision loss. The different types of vasculitis present characteristics that vary with age group and ethnicity, with a need for more comprehensive research on the global epidemiology data.

NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

EULAR recommendations for the management and vaccination of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the context of SARS-CoV-2: the November 2021 update

Robert B. M. Landewe, Feline P. B. Kroon, Alessia Alunno, Aurelie Najm, Johannes W. J. Bijlsma, Gerd-Ruediger R. Burmester, Roberto Caporali, Bernard Combe, Richard Conway, Jeffrey R. Curtis, Ori Elkayam, Laure Gossec, Marloes W. Heijstek, Lukas Haupt, Annamaria Iagnocco, John D. Isaacs, Istvan Abel Juhasz, Suzi Makri, Xavier Mariette, Iain B. McInnes, Puja Mehta, Ulf Mueller-Ladner, Hendrik Schulze-Koops, Josef S. Smolen, Dieter Wiek, Kevin L. Winthrop, Victoria Navarro-Compan, Pedro M. Machado

Summary: This article presents the first provisional recommendations on the management of RMDs in the context of SARS-CoV-2 by EULAR, followed by updates and studies on vaccination and additional doses.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Review Rheumatology

Mechanosignalling in cartilage: an emerging target for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Tom Hodgkinson, Domhnall C. Kelly, Caroline M. Curtin, Fergal J. O'Brien

Summary: Mechanical stimuli play fundamental roles in cartilage health and osteoarthritis, with chondrocytes sensing their physical environment and activating complex signaling pathways to regulate OA pathology. Understanding specific mechanosignalling mechanisms in cartilage has therapeutic potential and can be combined with smart biomaterials and drug delivery systems for future OA treatment advancements.

NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Review Rheumatology

COVID-19 in people with rheumatic diseases: risks, outcomes, treatment considerations

Rebecca Grainger, Alfred H. J. Kim, Richard Conway, Jinoos Yazdany, Philip C. Robinson

Summary: This review summarizes the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 prevention and treatment in people with rheumatic disease. It suggests that rheumatic disease is associated with a slightly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but outcomes of COVID-19 are influenced by comorbidities and specific disease states or treatments. Further research is needed to address the specific considerations for people with rheumatic disease.

NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular risk management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome

George C. Drosos, Daisy Vedder, Eline Houben, Laura Boekel, Fabiola Atzeni, Sara Badreh, Dimitrios T. Boumpas, Nina Brodin, Ian N. Bruce, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Gay, Soren Jacobsen, Gyorgy Kerekes, Francesca Marchiori, Chetan Mukhtyar, Manuel Ramos-Casals, Naveed Sattar, Karen Schreiber, Savino Sciascia, Elisabet Svenungsson, Zoltan Szekanecz, Anne-Kathrin Tausche, Alan Tyndall, Vokko van Halm, Alexandre Voskuyl, Gary J. Macfarlane, Michael M. Ward, Michael T. Nurmohamed, Maria G. Tektonidou

Summary: This study developed recommendations for cardiovascular risk management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, emphasizing the importance of regular screening and management of modifiable CVR factors as well as patient education. The recommendations covered CVR prediction tools, interventions on traditional CVR factors, and interventions on disease-related CVR factors.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Review Rheumatology

Risk and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic literature review to inform EULAR recommendations

Feline P. B. Kroon, Aurelie Najm, Alessia Alunno, Jan W. Schoones, Robert B. M. Landewe, Pedro M. Machado, Victoria Navarro-Compan

Summary: This systematic literature review on patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) examined the risk and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Most studies indicated that individuals with RMDs do not have a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 or experiencing worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to those without RMDs. Disease activity and medication use may influence the prognosis of COVID-19.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Safety of baricitinib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis over a median of 4.6 and up to 9.3 years of treatment: final results from long-term extension study and integrated database

Peter C. Taylor, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Gerd R. Burmester, Patrick Durez, Josef S. Smolen, Walter Deberdt, Maher Issa, Jorge Ross Terres, Natalia Bello, Kevin L. Winthrop

Summary: This study reported long-term safety data of baricitinib in patients with active RA, including analysis of various adverse events and assessment of malignancy risk. The conclusions indicated that baricitinib maintained a stable safety profile similar to earlier analyses, with no new safety signals identified.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Humoral responses after second and third SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders on immunosuppressants: a cohort study

Luuk Wieske, Koos P. J. van Dam, Maurice Steenhuis, Eileen W. Stalman, Laura Y. L. Kummer, Zoe L. E. van Kempen, Joep Killestein, Adriaan G. Volkers, Sander W. Tas, Laura Boekel, Gerrit J. Wolbink, Anneke J. van der Kooi, Joost Raaphorst, Mark Lowenberg, R. Bart Takkenberg, Geert R. A. M. D'Haens, Phyllis Spuls, Marcel W. Bekkenk, Annelie H. Musters, Nicoline F. Post, Angela L. Bosma, Marc L. Hilhorst, Yosta Vegting, Frederike J. Bemelman, Alexandre E. Voskuyl, Bo Broens, Agner Parra Sanchez, Cecile A. C. M. van Els, Jelle de Wit, Abraham Rutgers, Karina de Leeuw, Barbara Horvath, Jan J. G. M. Verschuuren, Annabel M. Ruiter, Lotte van Ouwerkerk, Diane van der Woude, Renee C. F. Allaart, Y. K. Onno Teng, Pieter van Paassen, Matthias H. Busch, Papay B. P. Jallah, Esther Brusse, Pieter A. van Doorn, Adaja E. Baars, Dirk Jan Hijnen, Corine R. G. Schreurs, W. Ludo van der Pol, H. Stephan Goedee, Sofie Keijzer, Jim B. D. Keijser, Arend Boogaard, Olvi Cristianawati, Anja ten Brinke, Niels J. M. Verstegen, Koos A. H. Zwinderman, S. Marieke van Ham, Taco W. Kuijpers, Theo Rispens, Filip Eftimov

Summary: Specific immunosuppressants may impair humoral responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Most patients receiving immunosuppressant therapy show similar humoral responses to controls after standard vaccination, although antibody titres may be moderately reduced. However, a third vaccination can enhance immune responses in patients with poor humoral responses.

LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Autoimmune post-COVID vaccine syndromes: does the spectrum of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome expand?

Luis J. Jara, Olga Vera-Lastra, Naim Mahroum, Carlos Pineda, Yehuda Shoenfeld

Summary: Around 60% of the global population has been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, leading to a significant reduction in the impact of the pandemic and the resumption of social and economic activities. Studies have shown that the vaccines are effective and safe in various populations, including those with risk factors or immunocompromised individuals. While a minority of people may experience adverse events, including autoimmune syndromes, the exact mechanisms for their development are still being studied. Rheumatologists need to be vigilant in monitoring these autoimmune syndromes and investigating their relationship to vaccination timing.

CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Efficacy and safety of selective TYK2 inhibitor, deucravacitinib, in a phase II trial in psoriatic arthritis

Philip J. Mease, Atul A. Deodhar, Desiree van der Heijde, Frank Behrens, Alan J. Kivitz, Jeffrey Neal, Jonghyeon Kim, Shalabh Singhal, Miroslawa Nowak, Subhashis Banerjee

Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib, a selective TYK2 inhibitor, in patients with active PsA. The results showed that treatment with deucravacitinib led to significant improvements in ACR-20 response, multiplicity-controlled secondary endpoints, and other exploratory efficacy measures. The treatment was well tolerated.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Efficacy and safety of risankizumab for active psoriatic arthritis: 24-week results from the randomised, double-blind, phase 3 KEEPsAKE 1 trial

Lars Erik Kristensen, Mauro Keiserman, Kim Papp, Leslie McCasland, Douglas White, Wenjing Lu, Zailong Wang, Ahmed M. Soliman, Ann Eldred, Lisa Barcomb, Frank Behrens

Summary: Risankizumab treatment significantly improves signs and symptoms of PsA compared to placebo, demonstrating significant differences in skin and nail psoriasis endpoints, minimal disease activity, and resolution of enthesitis and dactylitis. Adverse events were reported at similar rates in the risankizumab and placebo groups.

ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (2022)

Article Rheumatology

2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Microscopic Polyangiitis

Ravi Suppiah, Joanna C. Robson, Peter C. Grayson, Cristina Ponte, Anthea Craven, Sara Khalid, Andrew Judge, Andrew Hutchings, Peter A. Merkel, Raashid A. Luqmani, Richard A. Watts

Summary: This study developed and validated classification criteria for microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). The criteria have been validated for use in clinical research.

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Review Rheumatology

Global epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis

Axel Finckh, Benoit Gilbert, Bridget Hodkinson, Sang-Cheol Bae, Ranjeny Thomas, Kevin D. Deane, Deshire Alpizar-Rodriguez, Kim Lauper

Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects joints. The prevalence of RA varies globally, with higher rates in industrialized countries possibly due to environmental and genetic factors. Understanding the natural history of RA and its risk factors in specific populations may lead to prevention strategies.

NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Rheumatology

Oral surveillance and JAK inhibitor safety: the theory of relativity

Kevin L. Winthrop, Stanley B. Cohen

Summary: The published results of the post-marketing ORAL Surveillance study have led to changes in the recommendations for the use of JAK inhibitors. New safety signals for tofacitinib, including malignancy and cardiovascular disease, have emerged relative to TNF blockers. However, the overall data suggest that JAK inhibitors can be used safely at approved doses by many rheumatoid arthritis patients.

NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)