| 1. |
- Andersson, M. L.E., et al.
(författare)
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Pain in rheumatoid arthritis: a seven-year follow-up study of pain distribution and factors associated with transition from and to chronic widespread pain
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; :51, s. 345-354
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To study transitions from and to chronic widespread pain (CWP) over 7 years in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method: Two postal questionnaires were sent to patients included in the BARFOT (Better Anti-Rheumatic Pharmacotherapy) study, the first in 2010 and the second in 2017. The questionnaires assessed pain, number of tender and swollen joints, functional disability, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pharmacological treatment, lifestyle factors, and patient-reported body mass index (BMI). The responders to both questionnaires were divided into three groups according to the reported pain duration and distribution: patients having no chronic pain (NCP), chronic regional pain (CRP), and CWP. Results: In all, 953 patients answered the questionnaires at both time-points. One-third (324) of the patients reported CWP in 2010, and 140 (43%) of the patients had transition to NCP or CRP in 2017. In multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for age, gender, and disease duration, transition from CWP was associated with normal BMI, fewer tender joints, less pain, less fatigue, fewer pain regions, less disability, better HRQoL, and biologic treatment. In 2010, 628 patients reported NCP or CRP, whereas 114 of them reported CWP in 2017. Transition to CWP was associated with female gender, obesity, more tender and swollen joints, higher pain-related variables, worse disability, and worse HRQoL. Conclusion: There are modifiable factors associated with transitions from and to CWP that could be identified. Paying attention to these factors could improve pain treatment in the management of RA.
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| 2. |
- Antovic, A., et al.
(författare)
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Risks and treatment related aspects of COVID-19 infection in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:4, s. 418-423
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) require immunosuppressive therapy for disease control and relapse prevention and may be at risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The study objective was to analyse risk factors and outcomes of COVID-19 in well-characterized AAV patients. Method Data were retrieved from March 2020 to May 2021 from medical records of AAV cohorts in Stockholm and Uppsala, Sweden. COVID-19 was confirmed by positive PCR test or by ELISA. Severe COVID-19 was defined as need for non-invasive ventilation, intensive care unit care, and/or death. Age, gender, ANCA antibody type, ongoing immunosuppressive medication, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were recorded. Results The cohort comprised 310 AAV patients, of whom 29 (9%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Four deaths were attributed to COVID-19. Fifteen patients (52%) were on prednisolone in the COVID-19 group and 130 (46%) in the non-COVID group, with significantly higher doses in COVID-19 patients (p < 0.01). Ongoing induction therapy was more prevalent in the COVID-19 group (p < 0.01). Severe COVID-19 was diagnosed in 9/29 (31%). Significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 were impaired kidney function (p = 0.01) and more intense immunosuppressive therapy (p = 0.02), with a trend for age (p = 0.07). Maintenance therapy with rituximab was not associated with severe COVID-19. Conclusions Our findings highlight risks and suggest that more attention should be given to optimal AAV treatment in a pandemic situation. They also emphasize the need for continued shielding, mitigation strategies, and effective vaccination of AAV patients.
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| 3. |
- Axelsen, M. B., et al.
(författare)
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Responsiveness of different dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging approaches: a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial of certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 49:2, s. 105-111
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim was to explore dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) as an early marker of therapeutic response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starting treatment with certolizumab pegol (CZP). Method: In 40 RA patients initiating CZP (27 patients) or 2 weeks of placebo (PCB) followed by CZP (13 patients), DCE-MRI of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints was performed at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16. Using semi-automated software, three methods for drawing volume regions of interest (ROIs) in MCP2-5 and PIP2-5 were applied: 'Standard' (slices: all; joints: MCP2-5 together and PIP2-5 together), 'Detailed' (slices: slices with high-quality visualization; joints: as Standard), and 'Single-joint' (slices: as Detailed; joints: each joint separately). The number of enhancing voxels (Nvoxel), initial rate of enhancement (IRE), and maximum enhancement (ME) were extracted and analysed for each method. Results: Nvoxel in MCP2-5, and IRE and ME in PIP2-5 decreased statistically significantly (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p < 0.02-0.03) after 16 weeks of treatment for the Standard method. Nvoxel and ME decreased significantly more in the CZP group than in the PCB group after 1 week of treatment, but not at later time-points. There were no significant changes for DCE-MRI parameters for the Detailed and Single-joint methods. Conclusions: Certain DCE-MRI parameters detected decreased inflammation during CZP treatment in RA patients. Using specific criteria for ROIs, as in the Detailed and Single-joint methods, decreased the statistical power and could not show any changes over time.
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| 4. |
- Bergström, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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The role of support from significant others in the association between disease-related factors and sickness absence in early rheumatoid arthritis : a longitudinal study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 50:6, s. 427-434
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse how support from significant others affects the associations between disease-related variables and sickness absence during the first 2 years after rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. Method: Data from 274 people with RA (73% women) of working age (18-63 years) were retrieved from the Swedish early RA cohort TIRA-2. These data concerned disease-related variables (disease activity, activity limitations, pain intensity, and grip force), sickness absence, and perceived support from significant others. Associations of disease-related variables with sickness absence and how these associations were moderated by support from significant others were analysed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Results: During the 2 years after diagnosis, higher disease activity was significantly associated with increased odds of sickness absence, a connection strengthened by perceived support from family during the first year. More perceived support was also directly and significantly associated with increased odds of sickness absence during the first year. Conclusions: Support from significant others is related to sickness absence in RA, specifically during the first year after diagnosis. Although patients report high levels of support from significant others, this does not necessarily lead to more positive work outcomes. Therefore, it is important to consider other aspects of support that might influence work outcomes, e.g. type and quality of support. Future research should investigate these forms of support, and when significant others should be encouraged to support in the rehabilitation process to increase the chances of people with RA having a well-functioning and sustainable work life.
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| 5. |
- Björsenius, I, et al.
(författare)
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Extent of atherosclerosis after 11-year prospective follow-up in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis was affected by disease severity at diagnosis
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 49:6, s. 443-451
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The underlying cause is not clear. In this prospective study, patients with early RA were investigated for associations between subclinical atherosclerosis and CVD risk factors as well as inflammation.Method: At diagnosis, RA patients were recruited into a prospective study. A subgroup was included (n = 55) for ultrasound measurements of intima–media thickness (IMT) at inclusion (T0), and after 5 years (T5) and 11 years (T11). Thirty-one age and gender-matched controls were also included for comparison.Results: IMT increased significantly between T0 and T11 among patients and controls (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences in IMT between patients and controls were detected at T11, T5, or T0 (p > 0.05 for all). In simple regression models, IMT at T11 was significantly associated with age (p < 0.0001), as well as systolic blood pressure at T0 (p < 0.01) and T11 (p < 0.01) among RA patients. Furthermore, the composite Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) measurements (p < 0.0001) and Reynolds risk score (p < 0.01) and the radiographic Larsen score (p < 0.05) at T0 were all significantly associated with IMT at T11. Results from conditional logistic regression analysis showed an increased progression rate between T0 and T11 in the RA group compared with controls (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We found increased atherosclerotic development among patients with RA compared with controls 11 years after diagnosis. The atherosclerotic burden was associated with disease severity at baseline.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Lifestyle factors and comorbidities in gout patients compared to the general population in Western Sweden: results from a questionnaire study.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 51:5, s. 390-393
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to identify lifestyle factors associated with gout in patients with prevalent gout compared to the general population.Adult patients with gout identified in primary and secondary care in Western Sweden between 2015 and 2017 were sent a questionnaire asking about demographics, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Five age- and gender-matched controls were identified in a random sample of 52348 individuals aged 16-84years who participated in the National Public Health survey in Sweden, year 2015. Logistic regression models were used to compare cases and controls with regard to lifestyle factors and comorbidities.Of the 1589 invited gout patients, 868 (55%) responded. After matching for age and gender, 728 were included in the analysis (82.4% male; mean±sd age 69.3±10.5 years for men and 71.8±9.9 years for women with gout). Male and female gout patients were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese (men 79% vs 66%; women 78.5% vs 65.3%), to have binge-drinking behaviour (men 29.9% vs 11%; women 13.7% vs 2.9%), and to be ex-smokers, compared to controls. Moreover, male gout patients reported lower levels of physical activity, while diabetes and hypertension were more common in both genders with gout than in controls.In this questionnaire study, gout patients reported significantly more obesity and binge-drinking behaviour and less physical activity than controls. This suggests that there are great unmet needs for the management of lifestyle factors, particularly regarding overweight/obesity and binge drinking, in patients with gout.
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| 8. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Sex and country differences in gout: cross-country comparison between Sweden and the UK.
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 52:6, s. 673-682
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Compare characteristics, sex differences, and management of gout in Sweden and the UK.The results from two separate primary care gout surveys from Sweden and the UK were compared. Participants aged ≥18 years with gout were sent a questionnaire asking about lifestyle, gout characteristics, uratelowering therapy (ULT), comorbidities, disability, and disease impact. For sex comparison, participants were pooled across countries.In total, 784 (80% male) participants from Sweden and 500 (87% male) from the UK were included. Swedish patients were significantly older at gout onset, mean (SD) age 72 (12) versus 63 (13) years, (p<0.0001), with more comorbidities, and more frequent use of ULT (48% vs 35%, p=0.0005, age-adjusted). Use of alcohol and diuretics was significantly more common among UK patients, who also reported a higher number of gout flares, mean (SD) 2.2 (1.7) versus 1.6 (3.6), (p=0.003) age-adjusted. Females with gout were older at gout onset, mean (SD) age 67 (13) versus 56 (15), (p<0.0001), more often obese, and reported higher use of diuretics. Furthermore, females reported greater impact of gout, more pain and physical limitations, whereas no sex differences were seen in ULT or flares.In the UK, gout was more frequently associated with modifiable risk factors. People with gout in Sweden were more commonly taking ULT and had lower frequency of gout flares and impact of gout. Females with gout more commonly took diuretics, had higher body mass index, and reported greater physical disability, which should be considered when managing gout in women.
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| 9. |
- Eloff, Emma, et al.
(författare)
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Autoantibodies are major predictors of arthritis development in patients with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and musculoskeletal pain
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 50:3, s. 189-197
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Predictors of arthritis development are highly warranted among patients with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and musculoskeletal symptoms to optimize clinical management. We aimed to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of arthritis development, including biochemically assessed alcohol consumption, among ACPA-positive patients with musculoskeletal pain.Method: 82 ACPA-positive individuals with musculoskeletal pain but no clinical arthritis were followed for a median of 72 months (interquartile range 57–81 months). We evaluated the prognostic value of baseline clinical and laboratory factors including smoking, symptom duration, age, gender, shared epitope, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-carbamylated protein antibodies, ACPA levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, tender joint count, patient-reported general well-being, 28-joint Disease Activity Score, and alcohol consumption as measured by phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth) levels in whole blood.Results: During follow-up, 48% developed at least one arthritis. Multivariable analysis revealed an increased risk of arthritis development with RF positivity [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–4.8, p = 0.028] and higher ACPA levels (HR = 1.0, 95% CI 1.000–1.001, p = 0.002). High levels of RF (HR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.7–11) entailed the highest HR in this ACPA-positive population. Neither clinical characteristics nor alcohol consumption measured by PEth conferred significant prognostic value.Conclusions: ACPA levels and concurrent presence of RF are independent predictors of arthritis development among ACPA-positive patients with musculoskeletal pain. The results are compatible with a dose–response relationship between RA-related autoantibodies and risk of arthritis development.
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| 10. |
- Fawole, H. O., et al.
(författare)
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Is the association between physical activity and fatigue mediated by physical function or depressive symptoms in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis? The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 50:5, s. 372-380
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To examine whether physical activity (PA) was associated with fatigue, and quantify the extent of potential mediation through depressive symptoms or physical function (PF) on the relationship between PA and fatigue in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Method: This longitudinal study used data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (n = 484), comprising subjects aged ≥ 50 years. Baseline PA was quantified via an ankle-worn accelerometer. The outcome was fatigue, measured using a 0–10 rating scale at 2 year follow-up. Mediators included gait speed as a measure of PF and depressive symptoms at 2 year follow-up. Mediation analysis was carried out after adjustment for baseline confounders. Stratified analysis by baseline fatigue status [no/low (< 4) and high (≥ 4) fatigue] was performed. Results: A significant direct association was found between PA and fatigue at 2 years [unstandardized coefficient (B) = −0.054; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.107, −0.002, p = 0.041]. The PA–fatigue relationship was not mediated by gait speed (B = −0.006; 95% CI −0.018, 0.001) or depressive symptoms (B = 0.009; 95% CI 0.009, 0.028). In the subgroup with high baseline fatigue, direct associations were found between PA and fatigue (gait speed model:, B = −0.107; 95% CI −0.212, −0.002, p = 0.046; depressive symptoms model: B = −0.110; 95% CI −0.120, −0.020, p = 0.017); but in the no/low baseline fatigue group, no significant association was found between PA and fatigue. Conclusion: In the symptomatic KOA population, higher baseline PA was directly associated with reduced fatigue 2 years later, especially in those with high baseline fatigue. However, this relationship was not mediated by depressive symptoms or PF.
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| 11. |
- Fongen, C., et al.
(författare)
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Reduced sleep quality is highly prevalent and associated with physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 53:2, s. 130-139
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To assess sleep quality, and its associations with physical function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and spinal mobility, in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. Method: Baseline data from the Exercise for Spondyloarthritis trial were used. Assessments included [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 0–21, 21=worst], performance-based physical function [Ankylosing Spondylitis Performance Index (ASPI), seconds, higher=worse], patient-reported physical function [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), 0–10, 10=worst], cardiorespiratory fitness [peak oxygen uptake ((Formula presented.) O2peak), mL/kg/min, lower=worse], and spinal mobility [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), 0–10, 10=worst]. Associations were examined in separate models using multiple linear regression. Results: Ninety-nine patients with axSpA were included, 53% female, mean age 46years, and 72% with high disease activity (ASDAS-C-reactive protein ≥2.1), of whom 84 (85%) had reduced sleep quality. Sleep disturbance was most frequently reported (65%), followed by poor subjective sleep quality (53%), daytime dysfunction (41%), and increased sleep latency (41%). Positive associations were observed between PSQI and ASPI [β=0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01, 0.19] and PSQI and BASFI (β=0.85, 95% CI 0.51, 1.20), and there was an inverse association between PSQI and (Formula presented.) O2peak (β=−0.14, 95% CI −0.27, −0.01), adjusted for age and sex. There was no association between PSQI and BASMI. Conclusion: Reduced sleep quality was common in axSpA patients with moderate to high disease activity. Better sleep quality was associated with better physical function and higher cardiorespiratory fitness. There was no association between sleep quality and spinal mobility. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02356874.
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| 12. |
- Hanna, Balsam, et al.
(författare)
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Osteopenia/osteoporosis develops in the early phase of disease in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 50:5, s. 398-401
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To study the relationship between different disease-related variables and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Method: Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of all patients diagnosed with IIMs during 2003-2018 in the Rheumatology Department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. BMD measurements by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were compared among three patient groups categorized according to the time when DXA was performed in relation to the diagnosis: during the first month, 2-6 months, and 7-24 months after diagnosis. Results: In total, 48 patients were included in the study. BMD correlated positively with body mass index and the presence of myositis-specific autoantibodies. As expected, age and diseases duration had negative associations with BMD. Importantly, osteopenia and osteoporosis were significantly more common in patients who underwent DXA at later time-points of the disease than in those who underwent DXA during the first month after diagnosis. Conclusions: Reduced BMD is common in patients with IIMs. The development of osteopenia/osteoporosis starts in the early phase of myositis (within 6 months), and immediate osteoporosis prophylaxis at diagnosis is necessary.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Hofstedt, O, et al.
(författare)
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Authors' reply
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 49:2, s. 171-172
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Husberg, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and costs and disease activity in early rheumatoid arthritis-a 3-year follow-up
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 49:5, s. 379-388
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective To analyse healthcare utilization, loss of productivity, and disease activity in relation to presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). Method In total, 447 ACPA-positive and 224 ACPA-negative patients from two early rheumatoid arthritis cohorts, recruited 1996-1998 (cohort 1) and 2006-2009 (cohort 2), were followed during 3 years. Data on disease activity were collected, and patients reported healthcare utilization and days lost from work. Disease activity, healthcare costs, and loss of productivity were compared between ACPA groups. Linear regression was performed, controlling for confounders. Results Healthcare costs did not differ significantly by ACPA status (EUR 3214 for vs EUR 2174 for ACPA-positive vs ACPA-negative patients in cohort 1, ns; EUR 4150 vs EUR 3820 in cohort 2, ns). Corresponding values for loss of productivity were EUR 9148 vs EUR 7916 (ns) and EUR 5857 vs EUR 5995 (ns). Total prescription of traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs was higher in cohort 2 than in cohort 1. Methotrexate prescription was higher in ACPA-positive patients, but biologics did not differ significantly between ACPA groups. Disease activity was significantly more improved in cohort 2, but there was no difference in achieving remission in relation to ACPA status. In cohort 1, 25% of ACPA-positive patients were in remission vs 31% of ACPA-negative (ns) and in cohort 2, 55% vs 60% (ns). Conclusions With increasing drug treatment for both ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative patients, outcome in ACPA-positive was no more severe than in ACPA-negative patients. Healthcare costs and loss of productivity were similar in the two groups.
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| 18. |
- Hörnberg, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis : relationship to cardiovascular risk factors, subclinical atherosclerosis, and disease activity
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 49:2, s. 112-121
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To investigate associations between physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), subclinical atherosclerosis, and disease activity in patients with early and long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Method: This cross-sectional study included 84 patients with early and 37 with long-standing RA (disease duration, mean ± sd: 1.4 ± 0.4 and 16.3 ± 2.3 years, respectively). Physical activity was measured using a combined accelerometer and heart-rate monitor. Further assessments were disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints), functional ability (Health Assessment Questionnaire), risk factors for CVD (blood lipids, i.e. triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein; blood glucose, blood pressure, sleeping heart rate, waist circumference, body mass index, and body fat), and subclinical atherosclerosis (pulse-wave velocity, augmentation index, and carotid intima–media thickness).Results: Physical activity variables did not differ between patients with early and long-standing RA. However, 37% of the patients with early and 43% of those with long-standing RA did not reach the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). In a final multiple regression model, adjusted for age, gender, disease duration, and activity monitor wear time, higher total physical activity was associated with lower body fat and higher functional ability. With the same adjustments, more time spent in MVPA was associated with lower high-density lipoprotein and lower sleeping heart rate.Conclusions: Physical activity was associated with more favourable risk factors for CVD. However, many patients were physically inactive, stressing the importance of promoting physical activity in RA.
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| 19. |
- Johansson, Linda, et al.
(författare)
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Complement activation prior to symptom onset in myeloperoxidase ANCA-associated vasculitis but not proteinase 3 ANCA associated vasculitis : a Swedish biobank study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 51:3, s. 214-219
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Increased soluble levels of complement effectors have been demonstrated in active anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), but the timing of complement activation in the autoimmune inflammation remains elusive. This study investigated whether the complement system is activated before onset of symptoms in AAV.Method: The Swedish National Patient Register and Cause of Death register were linked to registers of five biobanks to identify individuals sampled before AAV symptom onset. Diagnosis of AAV and time-point for symptom onset were confirmed by reviewing medical records. We identified 64 presymptomatic individuals with serum samples > 1 month < 10 years from AAV symptom onset and 122 matched controls. Complement factors (C2, C5) and activation markers (C5a, C4b) were measured using Luminex technology.Results: Presymptomatic individuals had higher levels of C5 up to 6.5 years before symptom onset, compared with controls [median (IQR) 80.7 (131.9) vs 46.6 (63.4) µg/mL, p = 0.05]. Levels of C5a increased significantly during the pre-dating time (p = 0.033) until symptom onset. The complement levels were significantly higher in presymptomatic myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA+ individuals versus MPO-ANCA− and proteinase-3-ANCA+ individuals. C5 was significantly increased in cases with renal involvement at diagnosis versus controls (p = 0.022), whereas levels of both C5 and C5a were significantly increased in presymptomatic individuals diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis after onset compared with controls (C5: p = 0.027; C5a: p = 0.027).Conclusion: Activation of the complement system is an early event in the pathogenesis of AAV and is mainly associated with MPO-ANCA+ AAV and with microscopic polyangiitis.
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| 20. |
- Jonasdottir, A. D., et al.
(författare)
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Pentraxin-3-a potential biomarker in ANCA-associated vasculitis
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis Ltd. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:3, s. 293-301
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective The aim of this study was to investigate pentraxin-3 (PTX3) as a potential biomarker of inflammatory activity in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) at baseline and 6 month follow-up in a longitudinal cohort. Method Plasma PTX3 levels were measured in 79 newly diagnosed or relapsing AAV patients at baseline and 6 month follow-up, and in 23 healthy controls. Urinary PTX3 levels were measured in 34 of the patients. C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, and albuminuria were measured and the cumulative glucocorticoid dose at inclusion was calculated. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) was assessed at baseline and follow-up. Results Plasma PTX3 levels were significantly higher at baseline than at 6 months (2.85 vs 1.23 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Plasma and urinary PTX3 levels correlated with BVAS at baseline (rho = 0.45, p < 0.001, and rho = 0.49, p = 0.008, respectively). A significant correlation between both plasma and urinary PTX3 levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria was found. However, there was no correlation between plasma and urinary PTX3 levels. At baseline, plasma and urinary PTX3 levels were significantly higher in patients with kidney involvement. PTX3 levels did not correlate with CRP, nor was there a correlation between CRP levels and BVAS at baseline. Conclusion Plasma and urinary PTX3 seem to reflect disease activity in AAV better than the commonly used CRP. PTX3 may have a potential role as a biomarker in monitoring disease activity in AAV patients, particularly in patients with kidney involvement.
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| 21. |
- Juneblad, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Association between inflammasome-related polymorphisms and psoriatic arthritis
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 50:3, s. 206-212
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis. Underlying genetic factors are considered important for disease expression and prognosis of PsA. Interleukin-1β-regulating protein complexes called inflammasomes are associated with several inflammatory diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The aim was to determine whether inflammasome-related genetic variation is associated with PsA susceptibility or different disease phenotypes.Method: DNA from 724 patients with PsA and 587 population-based controls from northern Sweden was analysed for single-nucleotide polymorphisms in NLRP3-Q750K (rs35829419), NLRP3 (rs10733113), CARD8-C10X (rs2043211), NLRP1 (rs8079034), and NLRP1 (rs878329).Results: Significant associations were found with the genotype AA (vs AT+TT) of rs2043211 for PsA patients compared with controls [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32 (1.05–1.65), p = 0.016]; and between the C-allele of rs878329 and axial involvement of PsA [OR (95% CI) 1.37 (1.02–1.84), p = 0.035], the T-allele of rs8079034 with prescription of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [OR (95% CI) 1.76 (1.23–2.53), p = 0.0020], the G-allele of rs10733113 and patients with a skin disease with early onset [OR (95% CI) 1.58 (1.13–2.21), p = 0.007], and the C-allele of rs35829419 and a destructive/deforming disease [OR (95% CI) 1.63 (1.04–2.55), p = 0.030].Conclusions: This study is the first to show an association with a genetic polymorphism in an inflammasome-related gene, CARD8-C10X (rs2043211), in patients with PsA. Associations between different phenotypes of PsA and different polymorphisms of the inflammasome genes were also found. Our results indicate the involvement of inflammasome genes in the pathogenesis and disease expression of PsA.
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| 22. |
- Karlsson, M-l, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of an individually tailored smoking-cessation intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in an outpatient clinic
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:6, s. 591-600
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate an individually tailored smoking-cessation intervention delivered in rheumatology care and compare the characteristics of patients who quit smoking with those who did not.Method: This was an open single-group prospective intervention study over 24 months, with assessments at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Current smokers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were invited to a smoking-cessation programme including behavioural change support, with or without pharmacotherapy. Data on disease activity, medical treatment, and patient-reported outcomes were retrieved from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients at month 24 who reported having quit smoking with self-reported 7 day smoking abstinence.Results: In total, 99 patients participated in the study. Median age was 58 years (interquartile range 50-64); 69% were female and 88% rheumatoid factor and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positive. At 24 months, 21% of the patients had quit smoking. At 6, 12, and 18 months, 12%, 12%, and 14% of patients, respectively, had quit smoking. For patients still smoking at 24 months, the median number of cigarettes per day was significantly reduced from 12 to 6 (p <= 0.001). Among patients who had quit smoking at 24 months, a smaller proportion reported anxiety at baseline compared to those still smoking (28% vs 58%, p = 0.02).Conclusion: A smoking-cessation intervention including behavioural change support with or without pharmacotherapy can be helpful for a substantial number of RA patients. Anxiety is associated with lower smoking-cessation success rates.
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| 23. |
- Landgren, Anton J., 1989, et al.
(författare)
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Cardiovascular risk factors are highly overrepresented in Swedish patients with psoriatic arthritis compared with the general population.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 49:3, s. 195-99
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) followed at a large Swedish Rheumatology Clinic, and to compare differences in cardiovascular risk factors between men and women with PsA and with the general population. Method: A questionnaire was sent to patients with PsA registered at the Rheumatology Clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg (n=982). Comparisons with the general population were made using data from the Swedish National Public Health Survey. Descriptive statistics are presented. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight. Results: Overall, 692 (70.6%) of the patients with PsA responded. The mean±sd age was 55.6±11.4years and 52% were women. Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) was more prevalent (p<0.001) in patients with PsA (28.6%) than in matched subjects from the general population (16.3%). Hypertension was also more prevalent (p<0.001) in PsA (40.3%) than in matched subjects from the general population (24.1%), as was diabetes, with a prevalence of 10.5% in the PsA population compared with 6.2% in matched subjects (p<0.001). Conclusion: We found obesity to be highly overrepresented in patients with PsA compared with matched subjects from the general population. This difference was particularly seen in women with PsA. Hypertension and ever smoking were also more prevalent in women with PsA compared with matched subjects from the general population.
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| 24. |
- Landgren, Anton J., 1989, et al.
(författare)
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Health-related quality of life in gout, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, results from a cross-sectional survey in Western Sweden.
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 52:5, s. 506-518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) substantially affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to compare HRQoL between patients with gout, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS): (i) overall; (ii) stratified by sex; and (iii) between women and men with the same IJD diagnosis.A survey including the RAND36-Item Health Survey for assessing HRQoL was sent to patients with a diagnosis of gout, PsA, RA, or AS, registered at a rheumatology clinic or primary care centre during 2015-2017. HRQoL was compared across IJDs. Because of age differences between diagnoses, age-matched analyses were performed.In total, 2896/5130 (56.5%) individuals responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 868 had gout, 699 PsA, 742 RA, and 587 AS. Physical component summary (PCS) scores were more affected than mental component summary (MCS) scores for all diagnoses (PCS range: 39.7-41.2; MCS range: 43.7-48.9). Patients with gout reported better PCS scores than patients with PsA, RA, and AS, who reported similar scores in age-matched analysis. MCS scores were close to normative values for the general population and similar across IJDs. When comparing women and men with respective IJDs, women reported worse PCS (range, all IJDs: 34.5-37.4 vs 37.5-42.5) and MCS (PsA: 44.0 vs 46.8; RA: 46.1 vs 48.7) scores.We found that patients with gout reported better PCS scores than patients with other IJDs, for whom the results were similar. Women reported overall worse PCS and MCS scores than men.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Leu Agelii, Monica, 1977, et al.
(författare)
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Disease activity trajectories in rheumatoid arthritis: a tool for prediction of outcome
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 501:1, s. 1-10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Predicting treatment response and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains an elusive endeavour. Identifying subgroups of patients with similar progression is essential for understanding what hinders improvement. However, this cannot be achieved with response criteria based on current versus previous Disease Activity Scores, as they lack the time component. We propose a longitudinal approach that identifies subgroups of patients while capturing their evolution across several clinical outcomes simultaneously (multi-trajectories). Method For exploration, the RA cohort BARFOT (n = 2829) was used to identify 24 month post-diagnosis simultaneous trajectories of 28-joint Disease Activity Score and its components. Measurements were available at inclusion (0), 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months. Multi-trajectories were found with latent class growth modelling. For validation, the TIRA-2 cohort (n = 504) was used. Radiographic changes, assessed by the modified Sharp van der Heijde score, were correlated with trajectory membership. Results Three multi-trajectories were identified, with 39.6% of the patients in the lowest and 18.9% in the highest (worst) trajectory. Patients in the worst trajectory had on average eight tender and six swollen joints after 24 months. Radiographic changes at 24 and 60 months were significantly increased from the lowest to the highest trajectory. Conclusion Multi-trajectories constitute a powerful tool for identifying subgroups of RA patients and could be used in future studies searching for predictive biomarkers for disease progression. The evolution and shape of the trajectories in TIRA-2 were very similar to those in BARFOT, even though TIRA-2 is a newer cohort.
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| 28. |
- Lindqvist, Elisabet, et al.
(författare)
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How good is the agreement between clinical diagnoses and classification criteria fulfilment in axial spondyloarthritis? Results from the SPARTAKUS cohort
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:4, s. 364-373
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives To study the agreement between clinical axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) diagnoses and fulfilment of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) axSpA and modified New York (mNY) classification criteria, and to compare disease/health status between axSpA subtypes. Method Patients with prevalent, clinical axSpA attending a rheumatology clinic were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Assessments included physical evaluation, laboratory testing, questionnaires, and appropriate imaging, allowing classification. Standard axSpA outcome measures were compared between patients fulfilling mNY/radiographic versus non-radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA/nr-axSpA) criteria. Results Of 239 consecutively included patients, 141 fulfilled ASAS r-axSpA and/or mNY criteria, while 57 fulfilled nr-axSpA criteria. The agreement between r-axSpA and mNY criteria fulfilment was 94%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of a clinical ankylosing spondylitis (AS) diagnosis for mNY criteria fulfilment was 71%; the PPV of an undifferentiated axSpA (u-axSpA) diagnosis for fulfilment of nr-axSpA criteria was 30% and 40% for mNY criteria. Patients with r-axSpA/AS were older, more often men, and had longer disease duration, more uveitis, and worse spinal mobility than nr-axSpA patients, who had more enthesitis and dactylitis. Conclusion We found an overall good concordance between clinical axSpA diagnoses and classification criteria fulfilment, with 83% fulfilling ASAS axSpA and/or mNY criteria. Regarding axSpA subtypes, the concordance was weaker, and although the ICD-10 code for AS correctly identified patients meeting mNY criteria in 71% of cases, one-third of mNY-positive patients lacked an AS diagnosis. Moreover, clinical u-axSpA diagnoses could not serve as a proxy to identify nr-axSpA, highlighting the importance of thorough classification in research on axSpA subtypes.
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| 29. |
- Mathioudaki, Argyri, Ph.D student, 1986-, et al.
(författare)
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Allele frequency spectrum of known ankylosing spondylitis associated variants in a Swedish population
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 51:1, s. 21-24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The genetic predisposition to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been most widely studied in cohorts with European ancestry. However, within Europe, disease prevalence is higher in Sweden. Given this, we aimed to characterize known AS susceptibility variants in a homogeneous Swedish data set, assessing reproducibility and direction of effect. Method: The power to detect association within an existing Swedish targeted sequencing study (381 controls; 310 AS cases) was examined, and a set of published associations (n = 151) was intersected with available genotypes. Association to disease was calculated using logistic regression accounting for population structure, and HLA-B27 status was determined with direct polymerase chain reaction genotyping. Results: The cases were found to be 92.3% HLA-B27 positive, with the data set showing >= 80% predictive power to replicate associations, with odds ratios >= 1.6 over a range of allele frequencies (0.1-0.7). Thirty-four markers, representing 23 gene loci, were available for investigation. The replicated variants tagged MICA and IL23R loci (p < 1.47 x 10(-3)), with variable direction of effect noted for gene loci IL1R1 and MST1. Conclusion: The Swedish data set successfully replicated both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC loci, and revealed a different replication pattern compared to discovery data sets. This was possibly due to population demographics, including HLA-B27 frequency and measured comorbidities.
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| 30. |
- Mattsson, M., et al.
(författare)
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Validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease scale for individuals with systemic sclerosis
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 51:2, s. 110-119
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveTo investigate aspects of validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease (SEMCD-Swe) scale in systemic sclerosis (SSc).Method: A forward–backward translation procedure was used. Content validity was assessed through interviews with 11 people with SSc and 10 healthcare professionals. Construct validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and floor and ceiling effects were evaluated in 104 SSc patients.Results: The content validity of the SEMCD-Swe was interpreted as satisfactory, but some adjustments were made to increase the understanding. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a single-factor structure. Moderate to strong correlations between the SEMCD-Swe and Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire; Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue; Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (rs = −0.4 to −0.7), and RAND-36 subscales (rs = 0.5 to 0.7) were found. Weak correlations were found between SEMCD-Swe and modified Rodnan skin score; and disease severity of peripheral vascular and lung (rs = −0.1 to −0.2) and kidney (rs = 0.1) systems (Medsger severity scale). Cronbach’s alpha was sufficient (0.85) and corrected item-to-total correlations were good (≥ 0.50). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the total score was sufficient (0.82). No floor or ceiling effects were found.Conclusion: Support for construct validity was indicated, as the SEMCD-Swe in SSc show a single-factor structure and is more strongly associated with pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms, interferences with daily activities, disability, and quality of life than with disease severity. Our results also indicate support for content validity and reliability. However, the responsiveness of the SEMCD-Swe needs to be tested.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Morin, M., et al.
(författare)
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Is family history a predictor of response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in spondyloarthritis? A Swedish nationwide cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 51:1, s. 10-20
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To determine whether a family history of spondyloarthritis (SpA) is associated with clinical presentation at the start of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment, or predictive of TNFi drug survival and treatment response in patients with SpA. Method: Family history of SpA in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA) from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality register starting a TNFi as their first biologic in 2006-2018 was assessed through national registers. Clinical characteristics at treatment start were compared by family history status. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios for drug discontinuation, and analysed treatment response at 3 and 12 months with linear regression. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data. Results: We included 9608 patients. Patients with family history had an earlier age at onset and longer disease duration at TNFi treatment start, but did not differ regarding disease activity and presence of SpA manifestations. Hazard ratios for drug discontinuation were 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.31] for AS patients with a family history of AS, 1.02 (95% CI 0.89-1.18) for PsA patients with a family history of PsA, and 1.11 (95% CI 0.85-1.45) for uSpA patients with a family history of uSpA, after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and SpA-related factors. Treatment response at 3 and 12 months was similar between groups. Conclusion: Family history of SpA was not found to be associated with clinical presentation at the start of TNFi treatment, nor was it associated with drug survival or treatment response in SpA patients starting a first TNFi.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Naumovska, M, et al.
(författare)
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Ultrasound centre frequency shifts as a novel approach for diagnosing giant cell arteritis : Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:4, s. 424-431
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a treatable, but potentially sight- and life-threatening form of systemic vasculitis. Prompt and correct diagnosis is therefore important. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is the gold standard for diagnosing GCA, but is associated with risks. There is no reliable non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of GCA. Ultrasound centre frequency shift (CFS) is a novel technique that uses high-frequency ultrasound and the analysis of the centre frequency of the ultrasound pulse, which is dependent on the size of the microstructures in the tissue. This provides an objective measure of the scattering microstructures in the tissue, and thus has the potential to discriminate changes due to disease. The aim of this study was to assess ultrasound CFS as a means of discriminating arteries affected by GCA from healthy arteries.Method: TAB specimens from 68 subjects, 53 female and 15 male, with a mean age of 73 (range 52-87) years, with suspected GCA were examined using ultrasound ex vivo and the CFS was analysed. The temporal arteries were then examined histopathologically.Results: Histopathological examination revealed that 25 of the 68 biopsies of the temporal artery showed inflammatory changes in the vessel wall compatible with GCA. The ultrasound CFS decreased less in TAB-positive than in TAB-negative temporal arteries (p < 0.05).Conclusions: This proof-of-principle study indicates that ultrasound CFS has the potential to detect GCA in temporal arteries. Further technical development will be needed before in vivo examination can be performed and the clinical applicability can be assessed.
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| 35. |
- Nielsen, M. A., et al.
(författare)
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Increased synovial galectin-3 induce inflammatory fibroblast activation and osteoclastogenesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:1, s. 33-41
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been suggested as a proinflammatory mediator in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to study clinical and pathogenic aspects of Gal-3 in RA. Method: Plasma samples from healthy controls (n = 48) and patients with newly diagnosed, early RA were assayed for soluble Gal-3. In patients with chronic RA (n = 18), Gal-3 was measured in both plasma and synovial fluid. Synovial fluid mononuclear cells were used to purify fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and osteoclasts. Monocultures of FLSs and autologous co-cultures of FLSs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were established and co-incubated with a Gal-3 inhibitor. Results: Patients with early and chronic RA had persistently increased plasma levels of Gal-3 compared with controls. However, changes in plasma Gal-3 at the level of individuals were associated with long-term disease activity. In seropositive early RA patients, all patients with decreasing plasma Gal-3 from 0 to 3 months had low disease activity after 2 years (p < 0.05). Gal-3 levels in synovial fluid were markedly elevated. In vitro, co-incubation with a Gal-3 inhibitor (GB1107, 10 µM) led to a significant reduction in both interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α secretion from FLS monocultures (both p < 0.05) and decreased monocyte-derived osteoclastogenesis compared with controls (both p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings underscore the role of Gal-3 regarding disease activity and tissue destruction in RA. An initial decrease in plasma Gal-3 levels predicted decreased long-term disease activity. Correspondingly, a Gal-3 inhibitor decreased the activity of inflammatory FLSs and osteoclastogenesis in patients with RA.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Olsson, P, et al.
(författare)
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Complications after minor salivary gland biopsy : a retrospective study of 630 patients from two Swedish centres
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:2, s. 208-216
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of impaired sensation after minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) in two Swedish centres [Karolinska University Hospital (KUH) and Skane University Hospital (SUH)] and to assess its impact on quality of life (QoL) and associated risk factors. Method A questionnaire including questions regarding the presence of impaired sensation, impact on QoL, and impact on everyday life was sent to patients who had undergone MSGB between 2007 and 2016, and their medical notes were scrutinized. Results The study included 630 patients (505 from KUH and 125 from SUH). In KUH the biopsies were performed by rheumatologists and in SUH by dentists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs). Long-standing, probably permanent, impaired sensation after MSGB was reported by 21% of patients, and was associated with lower age and absence of anti-SSA antibodies. Patients with long-standing impaired sensation reported the inconvenience (1-10) of impaired sensation as 4.0 (2.0-7.0) [median (interquartile range)], and 32% reported an influence on their QoL, the reported influence (1-10) on everyday life being 3.0 (1.0-5.0). When comparing the outcomes from KUH and SUH, patients from SUH reported a significantly lower frequency of long-standing impaired sensation (14% vs 23%; p = 0.02). Conclusion A high frequency of long-standing impaired sensation after MSGB was found among patients who had undergone MSGB, although it had a low impact on everyday life. The complication frequency was less pronounced when a dentist or an OMS had performed the biopsy.
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| 38. |
- Palazzo, L., et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of neuropsychiatric flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus : results from five phase Ill clinical trials of belimumab
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:Suppl. 131, s. 45-45
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background including aims: Identification of clinical features and serological markers that are predictive of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) would contribute to early detection of NP involvement, early initiation of treatment, and hopefully, improved outcomes. Thus, we aimed to identify determinants of NPSLE flares in patients treated for active SLE yet no ongoing severe NPSLE with non-biologic standard therapy plus belimumab or placebo.Methods: We analysed data from five phase III trials (BLISS-52, BLISS-76, BLISS-NEA, BLISS-SC, EMBRACE; N=3638) after exclusion of patients with baseline NP BILAG A. Factors associated with NPSLE flare, defined as a new NP BILAG A or B, were investigated using Cox regression. In a subgroup analysis, we studied patients with baseline NP BILAG E for determinants of de novo NPSLE flare. Organ damage was assessed using the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI).Results: We documented 105 (2.9%) NPSLE flares. In multivariable analysis, male sex (HR=2.37; 95% CI: 1.31–4.28; p=0.004), baseline NP BILAG B–D (HR=5.92; 95% CI: 3.86–9.06; p<0.001), and increasing SDI scores (HR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.21–1.50; p<0.001) were strongly associated with NPSLE flare. Belimumab use yielded no association at any dose or administration form. In analysis of SDI domains, NP damage was the strongest determinant of NPSLE flare (HR=3.25; 95% CI: 2.72–3.88; p<0.001), holding true for cognitive impairment (HR=14.29; 95% CI: 9.22–22.14; p<0.001), transverse myelitis (HR=21.89; 95% CI: 5.40–88.72; p<0.001), and neuropathy (HR=8.87; 95% CI: 5.59–14.09; p<0.001). Male sex was the strongest determinant of de novo NPSLE flare (HR=3.26; 95% CI: 1.51–7.04; p=0.003).Conclusion: Male sex, NPSLE history, and NP damage were strong determinants of impending NPSLE flare. No clear protection or predisposition was conferred from add-on belimumab.
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| 39. |
- Parodis, I., 1981-, et al.
(författare)
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De novo renal flares in SLE patients treated for active extra renal disease within five phase Ill clinical trials of belimumab : Implications for revisiting belimumab dose
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:Suppl. 131, s. 46-46
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background including aims: Each lupus nephritis (LN) flare causes substantial nephron loss. Identification of reliable signals of impending flare is imperative. In light of observed cases of de novo LN during belimumab treatment, we evaluated predictors of de novo renal flare occurrence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and no prior history of renal disease undergoing standard therapy with or without add-on belimumab within the frame of five phase III clinical trials.Methods: Data from five phase III clinical trials of belimumab in SLE i.e., BLISS-52 (NCT00424476; N=865); BLISS-76 (NCT00410384; N=819); BLISS-NEA (NCT01345253; N=677); BLISS-SC (NCT01484496; N=836); EMBRACE (NCT0163224; N=448) were utilised. De novo renal flares were defined as a change from renal British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) E to A or B within a 52-week follow-up. Predictors of renal flare occurrence were investigated using Cox regression analysis.Results: Of 1844 eligible patients, 136 (7.4%) developed a de novo renal flare during a 52-week long follow-up. In multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounders, Asian origin (HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.33–2.94; p=0.001), high mean prednisone dose from baseline until renal flare occurrence or throughout follow-up (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.04; p<0.001), and positive levels of anti-dsDNA (HR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.08–1.63; p=0.008) were associated with de novo renal flares. Low-dose intravenous (IV) belimumab (1 mg/kg) yielded a nearly 3-fold lower hazard of de novo renal flare occurrence (HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20–0.73; p=0.004) and subcutaneous (SC) belimumab (200 mg weekly) yielded a lower, but less decreased, hazard (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54–0.88; p=0.003). However, the labelled dose of IV belimumab (10 mg/kg) did not provide protection (HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.50–1.09; p=0.127).Conclusions: Our findings corroborate the substantial vulnerability of Asian SLE populations to renal affliction. Add-on low-dose IV belimumab 1 mg/kg appeared most protective against renal flares in nephritis-naïve SLE patients, while the approved IV dose (10 mg/kg) yielded no clear protection.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Roseman, C., et al.
(författare)
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Persistent pain and its predictors after starting anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy in psoriatic arthritis : what is the role of inflammation control?
- 2024
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 53:2, s. 94-103
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: While considerable focus has been placed on pain due to inflammation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), less is reported on pain despite inflammation control. Here, we aimed to investigate the occurrence/predictors of persistent pain, including non-inflammatory components, after starting anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. Method: Bionaïve PsA patients starting a first anti-TNF therapy 2004–2010 were identified (South Swedish Arthritis Treatment Group register; N = 351). Outcomes included unacceptable pain [visual analogue scale (VAS) pain > 40 mm], and unacceptable pain despite inflammation control (refractory pain; VAS pain > 40 mm + C-reactive protein < 10 mg/L + ≤ 1 swollen joint of 28), assessed at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Baseline predictors were estimated by logistic regression. Results: Upon starting anti-TNF therapy, 85% of patients reported unacceptable pain, falling to 43% at 3 months and then remaining stable. After 12 months, refractory pain constituted 63% of all unacceptable pain. Higher baseline VAS pain/global, worse physical function and lower health-related quality-of-life were associated with a higher risk of unacceptable/refractory pain at 12 months. More swollen joints and higher evaluator’s global assessment were associated with a lower risk of 12-month refractory pain. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of PsA patients reported unacceptable pain throughout the first anti-TNF treatment year. At 12 months, refractory pain constituted about two-thirds of this remaining pain load. More objective signs of inflammation at anti-TNF initiation were associated with less future refractory pain. This highlights insufficient effect of biologics in patients with inflammation-independent pain, warranting alternative treatments.
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Schelin, M. E.C., et al.
(författare)
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Widespread non-joint pain in early rheumatoid arthritis
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 50:4, s. 271-279
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the development of widespread non-joint pain (WNP) in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the associated health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and clinical and demographic risk factors for WNP. Method: Incident cases with RA, from the Swedish population-based study Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA), with a follow-up of at least 3 years, constituted the study population. WNP was defined as pain outside the joints in all four body quadrants and was assessed at the 3 year follow-up. Patients who reported WNP were compared to patients without WNP regarding HRQoL, measured by the Short Form-36, at 3 years, and clinical and demographic characteristics at the time of RA diagnosis. Results: A total of 749 patients constituted the study sample, of whom 25 were excluded after reporting already having severe pain before RA diagnosis. At the 3 year follow-up, 8% of the patients reported having WNP as well as statistically significant worse HRQoL. At the time of RA diagnosis, the patients with WNP had worse pain and pain-related features, while no difference was seen in the inflammatory parameters. Conclusion: WNP occurs in a substantial subset of patients with RA, also early in the course of the disease, and the HRQoL for these patients is significantly reduced. Patients who develop WNP at 3 years are already distinguishable at the time of diagnosis by displaying more pronounced pain ratings together with an average level of inflammatory disease activity.
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| 45. |
- Sigurdardottir, Valgerdur, et al.
(författare)
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Gout in Dalarna, Sweden - a population-based study of gout occurrence and compliance to treatment guidelines
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective This study aimed to describe the incidence and prevalence of gout, describe the use of allopurinol among prevalent gout cases, and determine persistence with allopurinol and degree of compliance with treat-to-target recommendations before and after the publication of Swedish national guidelines in 2016. Method Prospectively registered data on gout diagnoses and allopurinol prescriptions were used to calculate incidence and prevalence, and the proportion of prevalent patients on allopurinol. Gout patients starting allopurinol during 2013-2015 versus 2016-2018 were compared regarding persistence and compliance with treat-to-target principles. Results The incidence of gout was 221-247 per 100 000 person-years during 2014-2019, prevalence in 2018 was 2.45%. Among prevalent cases, the proportion on allopurinol ranged from 21% to 25%. Allopurinol persistence was better for individuals starting therapy during 2016-2018 compared with 2013-2015 (45% vs 39%, p = 0.031), as were several outcomes related to treat-to-target principles, e.g. measuring baseline serum urate (SU) (84% vs 77%, p < 0.001), follow-up SU (50% vs 36%, p < 0.001), and the proportion of patients reaching an SU level < 360 mu mol/L (45% vs 30%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Incidence and prevalence were slightly higher than in previous Swedish reports. Allopurinol use among prevalent gout patients did not increase during 2014-2019. Only a minor improvement in persistence was seen, and a moderate increase in compliance with guidelines, suggesting a need for improved management and extended patient involvement to increase and optimize the use of urate lowering therapy.
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| 46. |
- Simons, G, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring preferences of at-risk individuals for preventive treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; , s. 1-11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Some immunomodulatory drugs have been shown to delay the onset of, or lower the risk of developing, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), if given to individuals at risk. Several trials are ongoing in this area; however, little evidence is currently available about the views of those at risk of RA regarding preventive treatment. Method Three focus groups and three interviews explored factors that are relevant to first degree relatives (FDRs) of RA patients and members of the general public when considering taking preventive treatment for RA. The semi-structured qualitative interview prompts explored participant responses to hypothetical attributes of preventive RA medicines. Transcripts of focus group/interview proceedings were inductively coded and analysed using a framework approach. Results Twenty-one individuals (five FDRs, 16 members of the general public) took part in the study. Ten broad themes were identified describing factors that participants felt would influence their decisions about whether to take preventive treatment if they were at increased risk of RA. These related either directly to features of the specific treatment or to other factors, including personal characteristics, attitude towards taking medication, and an individual's actual risk of developing RA. Conclusion This research highlights the importance of non-treatment factors in the decision-making process around preventive treatments, and will inform recruitment to clinical trials as well as information to support shared decision making by those considering preventive treatment. Studies of treatment preferences in individuals with a confirmed high risk of RA would further inform clinical trial design.
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| 47. |
- Svensson, B., et al.
(författare)
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Unacceptable pain in the BARFOT inception cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis : a long-term study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 49:5, s. 371-378
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Pain is the most common and troublesome complaint in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical implications of unacceptable pain in an inception cohort of patients with RA. Method: This study followed 477 patients from the BARFOT (Better Anti-Rheumatic FarmacOTherapy) early RA cohort for 15 years. Unacceptable pain was defined as ≥ 40 mm on a visual analogue scale for pain, while tolerable pain denoted no pain or pain below this cut-off, according to the patient acceptable symptom state concept. Results: Unacceptable pain was frequent. At the 15 year follow-up visit, 34% had unacceptable pain. Patients with unacceptable pain had, compared with patients with tolerable pain, significantly more disease activity, worse patient global assessment, and worse function on the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Signals of Functional Impairment, but the degree of joint destruction was similar. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug treatment was similar, but patients with unacceptable pain were more often treated with corticosteroids. At 15 years, patients with unacceptable pain who were in remission (33%) had less inflammation and better function than those not in remission, suggesting the presence of non-inflammatory causes of pain. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with RA, pain was frequent and severe, with negative effects on experienced health and function. Unacceptable pain was frequent and occurred also in patients in remission, indicating that pain in RA is multifactorial and should always be regarded as an important concern in itself. The cause of pain should be recognized and treated appropriately.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Vasaitis, Lilian, et al.
(författare)
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Population-based study of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome and lymphoma : lymphoma subtypes, clinical characteristics, and gender differences
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 49:3, s. 225-232
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To examine lymphoma subtypes, clinical characteristics, and gender differences in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and lymphoma in a population-based setting. Method: Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and lymphoma diagnoses were identified by linkage of the Swedish Patient Register 1964–2007 with the Cancer Register 1990–2007. Clinical data were collected from medical records and lymphoma tissues were re-examined. The lymphoma subtype distribution was compared with the Swedish Lymphoma Register. Results: We identified 105 pSS patients with lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (32%) and marginal zone lymphoma [MZL including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma] (31%) were the most common lymphoma subtypes. The proportion of DLBCL was not increased compared to the general population reference (32%, p = 1), in contrast to MZL (general population 5%, p < 0.0001). Compared to DLBCL, MALT lymphoma was diagnosed at a younger age (55 vs 67 years, p = 0.0001), and earlier after patient-reported sicca onset (7 vs 18 years, p = 0.0001) and pSS diagnosis (2 vs 9 years, p = 0.0005). Sixteen of the pSS-lymphoma cases were men (15%), twice the proportion in general pSS populations. Compared to women, men had a shorter median time from pSS diagnosis to lymphoma diagnosis (1 vs 8 years, p = 0.0003) and more often had lymphoma in the salivary glands (56% vs 29%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: DLBCL and MZL are common in pSS patients, but only MZL/MALT lymphoma occurs at an increased relative frequency in pSS compared to the general population. The study supports increased awareness of signs of lymphoma in men in the first years after pSS diagnosis.
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| 50. |
- Wallman, J. K., et al.
(författare)
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Validity of clinical psoriatic arthritis diagnoses made by rheumatologists in the Swedish National Patient Register
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 52:4, s. 374-384
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives : Knowledge of the correspondence between clinical ICD diagnoses and classification criteria fulfilment is crucial to interpret studies identifying cases via ICD codes. We assessed the degree to which patients registered with ICD-10 diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) fulfil established PsA classification criteria. Method Four hundred patients with at least one outpatient visit to one of five rheumatology or internal medicine departments (three university/two county departments across Sweden) in 2013-2015, with a main ICD-10 diagnosis of PsA (L40.5-M07.3), were randomly selected (80 cases/site). Through a structured medical record review, positive predictive values (PPVs) for fulfilment of the following classification criteria were assessed: CASPAR, Moll and Wright, Vasey and Espinoza, and modified ESSG criteria for PsA. A subset analysis regarding CASPAR fulfilment was also performed among cases with available rheumatoid factor and peripheral X-ray status (central CASPAR items; n = 227). Results Of the 400 patients with a main ICD-10 diagnosis of PsA, 343 (86%) fulfilled at least one of the four PsA classification criteria. PPVs for the different criteria were: CASPAR 69% (82% in the subset analysis), Moll and Wright 51%, Vasey and Espinoza 76%, and modified ESSG 64%. Overall, only 6.5% of the 400 PsA diagnoses were judged as clearly incorrect by the medical record reviewers. Conclusion The validity of rheumatologist-made, clinical ICD-10 diagnoses for PsA in the Swedish NPR is good, with PPVs of 69-82% for CASPAR fulfilment and 86% for meeting any established PsA classification criteria.
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