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1.
  • Feldthusen, Caroline, 1977, et al. (author)
  • The ASAS Health Index and Environmental Factors Item Set: validity and reliability of the Swedish translations in Swedish patients with ankylosing spondylitis
  • 2024
  • In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - 0300-9742. ; 53:2, s. 104-111
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • ObjectivesTo translate the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) Health Index (HI) Environmental Factors Item Set (EFIS) into Swedish and culturally adapt it for a Swedish context, and to assess the construct validity of the Swedish version of the ASAS HI and test-retest reliability in ASAS HI and EFIS in Swedish patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodTranslation and cross-cultural adaptation of the EFIS were carried out according to a forward-backward procedure consisting of five steps. The construct validity of the ASAS HI was tested using Spearman correlation with standard health outcomes for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Reliability was analysed by internal consistency with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for ASAS HI, and test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for ASAS HI and kappa agreement for the individual items of EFIS.ResultsThe translation of EFIS showed acceptable face and content validity. ASAS HI showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.79), and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC 0.87). Test-retest reliability for EFIS showed varied results, with kappa agreement for the individual items ranging from poor (-0.027) to good (0.80).ConclusionsThe Swedish version of ASAS HI proved to be valid and reliable and is recommended for assessing the impact of AS on global functioning and health. A Swedish version of EFIS has been produced and uploaded on the ASAS website. The EFIS proved to have acceptable face and content validity, and may contribute to the contextual interpretation of the ASAS HI.
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2.
  • Lundtoft, Christian, et al. (author)
  • Complement C4 Copy Number Variation is Linked to SSA/Ro and SSB/La Autoantibodies in Systemic Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases
  • 2022
  • In: Arthritis & Rheumatology. - : Wiley. - 2326-5191 .- 2326-5205. ; 74:8, s. 1440-1450
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objective Copy number variation of the C4 complement components, C4A and C4B, has been associated with systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate whether C4 copy number variation is connected to the autoimmune repertoire in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjogrens syndrome (SS), or myositis. Methods Using targeted DNA sequencing, we determined the copy number and genetic variants of C4 in 2,290 well-characterized Scandinavian patients with SLE, primary SS, or myositis and 1,251 healthy controls. Results A prominent relationship was observed between C4A copy number and the presence of SSA/SSB autoantibodies, which was shared between the 3 diseases. The strongest association was detected in patients with autoantibodies against both SSA and SSB and 0 C4A copies when compared to healthy controls (odds ratio [OR] 18.0 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 10.2-33.3]), whereas a weaker association was seen in patients without SSA/SSB autoantibodies (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.7-5.5]). The copy number of C4 correlated positively with C4 plasma levels. Further, a common loss-of-function variant in C4A leading to reduced plasma C4 was more prevalent in SLE patients with a low copy number of C4A. Functionally, we showed that absence of C4A reduced the individuals capacity to deposit C4b on immune complexes. Conclusion We show that a low C4A copy number is more strongly associated with the autoantibody repertoire than with the clinically defined disease entities. These findings may have implications for understanding the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases and for patient stratification when taking the genetic profile into account.
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3.
  • Wiginder, A., et al. (author)
  • Prevalence and factors related to sleep apnoea in ankylosing spondylitis
  • 2022
  • In: Clinical Rheumatology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0770-3198 .- 1434-9949. ; 41, s. 491-498
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • An increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been suggested in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a few controlled studies. We aimed to study the prevalence of OSA compared to controls and to investigate if disease-related and non-disease-related factors were determinants of OSA in AS patients. One hundred and fifty-five patients with AS were included in the Backbone study, a cross-sectional study that investigates severity and comorbidities in AS. Controls were recruited from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study. To evaluate OSA, the participants were asked to undergo home sleep-monitoring during one night's sleep. For each AS patient 45-70 years old, four controls were matched for sex, age, weight, and height. OSA was defined as an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) >= 5 events/hour. Sixty-three patients with AS were examined with home sleep-monitoring, and 179 controls were matched with 46 patients, 45-70 years. Twenty-two out of 46 (47.8%) patients with AS vs. 91/179 (50.8%) controls had OSA (AHI >= 5 events/hour), P = 0.72. No differences in the sleep measurements were noted in AS patients vs. controls. In logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, higher age, higher BMI, and lesser chest expansion were associated with the presence of OSA in the 63 AS patients. In the current study, patients with AS did not have a higher prevalence of OSA compared to matched controls. AS patients with OSA had higher BMI, were older, and had lesser chest expansion because of more severe AS compared to patients without OSA.
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4.
  • Almehed, Katarina, 1966, et al. (author)
  • Health-related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with disease and work disability.
  • 2010
  • In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 39:1, s. 58-62
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives: To determine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its relationship to disease variables, vertebral fractures, and employment status in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: HRQOL was assessed with the Swedish version of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) in female patients (n=163) and in age- and sex-matched controls (n=1045). Associations between the SF-36 score and demographics, disease variables, prevalent vertebral fractures, and employment status were analysed. Results: The SLE patients, aged 20 to 82 years, scored significantly lower than the controls on all SF-36 subscales. Patients with vertebral fractures were older, had greater disease damage, and lower physical functioning (PF) than patients without fractures. Of the SLE patients of working age (n=142), 54% worked full or part time. These patients scored their HRQOL significantly higher (better) than patients not working. Being able to work was significantly associated with low age and high scores in PF and role physical (RP): the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for these variables was 0.82, confidence interval 0.75-0.89. Conclusions: HRQOL is substantially lower in SLE than in the general population but working ability indicates better health. We encourage further research regarding the effects on HRQOL by preventive actions taken against work disability in SLE.
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5.
  • Almehed, Katarina, 1966, et al. (author)
  • Prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in female SLE patients-extended report
  • 2007
  • In: Rheumatology (Oxford). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 46:7, s. 1185-90
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of osteoporosis and possible risk factors of low bone mineral density (BMD) in women with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) in western Sweden. In addition, to evaluate if adequate anti-osteoporotic treatment was provided. METHODS: BMD was measured at radius, lumbar spine and hip by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). An 'expected' control BMD was calculated for each patient. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations between BMD and demographic and disease-related variables. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-three women were included. Median age was 47 (20-82) yrs, 89 (55%) were post-menopausal and 85 (52%) were taking glucocorticosteroids. BMD was significantly reduced in all measured sites compared with expected BMD. Thirty-seven (23%), 18 (11%) and 6 (4%) of the patients were osteoporotic in at least one, two and three or more measured locations. Bisphosphonates were used by 23 (27%) of patients taking glucocorticosteroids and 13 (35%) with osteoporosis. High age and low weight or BMI were associated with low BMD in all measured sites. In total hip, high SLICC/American Collage of Rheumatology (ACR), ESR and 'combinations of DMARD' were additional markers of low BMD. High S-creatinine was associated with low BMD in lumbal spine whereas high S-creatinine and CRP were markers in radius. CONCLUSION: Women with SLE are at greater risk of osteoporosis compared with controls and few are treated adequately. Factors associated with low BMD in SLE are high age and low weight but also markers of inflammation, impaired kidney function and disease damage, however glucocorticosteroids were not associated.
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6.
  • Almehed, Katarina, 1966, et al. (author)
  • Prevalence and risk factors of vertebral compression fractures in female SLE patients.
  • 2010
  • In: Arthritis research & therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 12:4
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to determine the frequency of and factors associated with prevalent vertebral compression fractures in female SLE patients attending rheumatologists in Western Sweden. METHODS: In this cross sectional study 150 women were included. They were examined with x-ray of thoracic and lumbar spine (Th4-L4). A reduction of at least 20% of any vertebral height, assessed by Genant's semiquantitative method, was defined as a fracture. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: Median patient age was 47 years (20-82) and disease duration 11 years (1-41). Only 6 (4%) women had a history of clinical compressions whereas 43 (29%) had at least one radiological fracture each. The patients with at least one fracture at any site were characterized by higher age (p<0.001), being postmenopausal (p<0.01), higher Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics Damage Index (p<0.05), lower BMD total hip and femoral neck (p<0.05), more peripheral fractures (p< 0.01), medication with bisphosphonates (p<0.05) and calcium and vitamin D3 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences regarding current or cumulative glucocorticosteroid dose between the groups. In logistic regression analyses high age remained as risk factor of at least one vertebral fracture at any site whereas low BMD in total hip was associated with vertebral fracture in lumbar spine. CONCLUSION: Radiological compression fractures are common but seldom diagnosed in SLE patients. High age and low BMD in total hip, but not in spine, was associated with vertebral fractures.
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7.
  • Almehed, Katarina, 1966, et al. (author)
  • Role of resistin as a marker of inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • 2008
  • In: Arthritis research & therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 10:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • INTRODUCTION: Resistin is a cystein-rich secretory adipokine. It is proposed to have proinflammatory properties in humans. The aim of this study was to determine associations between serum levels of resistin and markers of inflammation and bone mineral density (BMD) in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: One hundred sixty-three female patients with SLE (20 to 82 years old) were examined in a cross-sectional study. Venous blood samples were analyzed for resistin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, creatinine, fasting lipids, complements, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, sIL-6R (soluble IL-6 receptor), ICTP (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen), and PINP (N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen). Simple and multiple regression analyses as well as logistic regression analyses were performed. Resistin in serum was compared with 42 healthy female controls with respect to age. RESULTS: Serum resistin levels in controls were similar to those of patients with SLE. Markers of inflammation and current dose of glucocorticosteroids correlated positively to resistin in serum. Markers of renal function, number of prevalent vertebral fractures, and BMD were also significantly associated with resistin. In a multiple regression model, ESR, creatinine, C3, current glucocorticosteroid dose, high-density lipoprotein, and BMD radius remained significantly associated with resistin. In logistic regression analyses with resistin as the independent variable, a significant association was found with ESR (normal or elevated) but not with S-creatinine or z score for hip and radius total. CONCLUSION: Although resistin measurements did not differ between patients and controls, resistin was clearly associated with general inflammation, renal disease, treatment with glucocorticosteroids, and bone loss. We hypothesize that resistin has proinflammatory and disease-promoting properties in SLE. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism behind these associations.
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8.
  • Barbulescu, A., et al. (author)
  • Effectiveness of baricitinib and tofacitinib compared with bDMARDs in RA: results from a cohort study using nationwide Swedish register data
  • 2022
  • In: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 61:10, s. 3952-3962
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives To describe the use of baricitinib and tofacitinib by Swedish RA patients and to compare their effectiveness with that of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Methods RA patients who initiated baricitinib (n = 1420), tofacitinib (n = 316), abatacept (n = 1050), IL-6 inhibitors (IL-6is; n = 849), rituximab (n = 1101) or TNF inhibitors (TNFis; n = 6036) between January 2017 and November 2019 were followed for a minimum of 1 year using data from several linked Swedish national registers. Proportions reaching a good EULAR 28-joint DAS (DAS28) response, HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI) improvement >0.2 units and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission were compared at 1 year, imputing discontinued treatments as 'non-response'. Additionally, we compared drug retention and changes in DAS28, HAQ-DI and CDAI from baseline to 3 months after treatment initiation. Results On average, baricitinib, and particularly tofacitinib, were initiated as later lines of therapy and more frequently as monotherapy compared with rituximab and TNFi. Adjusted 1 year response proportions were consistently lower on TNFi compared with baricitinib, with differences of -4.3 percentage points (95% CI -8.7, 0.1) for good EULAR response, -9.9 (-14.4 to -5.4) for HAQ-DI improvement and -6.0 (-9.8 to -2.2) for CDAI remission. Comparisons with non-TNFi bDMARDs also favoured baricitinib, but not consistently. Treatment responses for tofacitinib were only marginally lower than those for baricitinib and generally similar to those of bDMARDs, with precision limited by low power. Comparisons of drug retention and changes in disease activity from baseline to 3 months supported the 1 year findings. Conclusions Baricitinib and tofacitinib showed at least equivalent effectiveness compared with bDMARDs after exploring several different effectiveness measures.
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9.
  • Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al. (author)
  • Are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events? A prospective nationwide population-based cohort study
  • 2017
  • In: Arthritis Research and Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 19:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background: To investigate the risk of first-time acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA), compared to each other and to the general population (GP). Methods: This is a prospective nationwide cohort study. Cohorts with AS (n = 6448), PsA (n = 16,063) and uSpA (n = 5190) patients and a GP (n = 266,435) cohort, were identified 2001-2009 in the Swedish National Patient and Population registers. The follow-up began 1 January 2006, or 6 months after the first registered spondyloarthritis (SpA) diagnosis thereafter, and ended at ACS/stroke/VTE event, death, emigration or 31 December 2012. Crude and age- and sex-standardized incidence rates (SIRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for incident ACS, stroke or VTE, respectively. Results: Standardized to the GP cohort, SIRs for ACS were 4.3, 5.4 and 4.7 events per 1000 person-years at risk in the AS, PsA and uSpA cohort, respectively, compared to 3.2 in the GP cohort. SIRs for stroke were 5.4, 5.9 and 5.7 events per 1000 person-years at risk in the AS, PsA and uSpA cohort compared to 4.7 in the GP cohort. Corresponding SIRs for VTE were 3.6, 3.2 and 3.5 events per 1000 person-years at risk compared to 2.2 in the GP cohort. Age-and sex-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for ACS events were significantly increased in AS (1.54 (1.31-1.82)), PsA (1.76 (1.59-1.95)) and uSpA (1.36 (1.05-1.76)) compared to GP. Age-adjusted HRs for ACS was significantly decreased in female AS patients (0.59 (0.37-0.97)) compared to female PsA patients. Age-and sex-adjusted HRs for stroke events were significantly increased in AS (1.25 (1.06-1.48)) and PsA (1.34 (1.22-1.48)), and nonsignificantly increased in uSpA (1.16 (0.91-1.47)) compared to GP. For VTE the age-and sex-adjusted HRs for AS, PsA and uSpA were equally and significantly increased with about 50% compared to GP. Conclusions: Patients with AS, PsA and uSpA are at increased risk for ACS and stroke events, which emphasizes the importance of identification of and intervention against cardiovascular risk factors in SpA patients. Increased alertness for VTE is warranted in patients with SpA.
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10.
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11.
  • Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al. (author)
  • Incidence of extra-articular manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis : Results from a national register-based cohort study
  • 2021
  • In: Rheumatology (United Kingdom). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 60:6, s. 2725-2734
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives: To estimate the incidence and strength of association of extra-articular manifestations [EAMs, here: anterior uveitis (AU), IBD and psoriasis] in patients with AS, undifferentiated SpA (uSpA) and PsA, compared with controls. Methods: Three mutually exclusive cohorts of patients aged 18-69 years with AS (n = 8517), uSpA (n = 10 245) and PsA (n = 22 667) were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register 2001-2015. Age-, sex- and geography-matched controls were identified from the Swedish Population Register. Follow-up began 1 January 2006, or six months after the first SpA diagnosis, whichever occurred later, and ended at the first date of the EAM under study, death, emigration, 70 years of age, and 31 December 2016. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios were calculated for each EAM, and stratified by sex and age. Results: Incidence rate ratios for incident AU, IBD and psoriasis were significantly increased in AS (20.2, 6.2, 2.5), uSpA (13.6, 5.7, 3.8) and PsA (2.5, 2.3, n.a) vs controls. Men with AS and uSpA had significantly higher IRs per 1000 person-years at risk for incident AU than women with AS (IR 15.8 vs 11.2) and uSpA (IR 10.1 vs 6.0), whereas no such sex difference was demonstrated in PsA or for the other EAMs. Conclusions: AU, followed by IBD and psoriasis, is the EAM most strongly associated with AS and uSpA. Among the SpA subtypes, AS and uSpA display a largely similar pattern of EAMs, whereas PsA has a considerably weaker association with AU and IBD.
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12.
  • Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al. (author)
  • Occurrence and relative risks for non-vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with the general population: a register-based study from Sweden
  • 2023
  • In: Rmd Open. - : BMJ. - 2056-5933. ; 9:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • ObjectivesTo estimate the incidence of non-vertebral fractures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with the general population.MethodsNationwide register-based cohort study including patients with AS (n=11 611, 65% men, mean age 48 years), and matched general population controls (n=58 050). Five prespecified fracture outcomes: (1) non-vertebral; (2) fracture of the proximal humerus, distal forearm or hip; (3) proximal humerus; (4) distal forearm and (5) hip) were identified through register linkages with follow-up 2007-2016. We used Poisson regression to calculate incidence rates (IRs), number of fractures per 1000 person-years at risk and IR ratios (IRRs), overall and by sex and age. IRRs were adjusted for history of any prior fracture.ResultsIRs (men/women) for non-vertebral fracture in AS were 11.9 (95% CI 11.0 to 12.9)/14.5 (95% CI 13.1 to 16.1) and in controls 10.0 (95% CI 9.7 to 10.4)/11.8 (95% CI 11.1 to 12.4), IRR (men/women) 1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3)/1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4). IRs (men/women) for fractures of the humerus, forearm or hip in AS were 4.0 (95% CI 3.5 to 4.6)/6.3 (95% CI 5.4 to 7.3) and in controls 2.7 (95% CI 2.5 to 2.9)/5.5 (95% CI 5.1 to 6.0), IRR (men/women) 1.5 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.7)/1.1 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.3). IRRs were statistically significantly elevated in men with AS versus controls for forearm fracture (1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.7)) and hip fracture (1.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.3)), whereas not in women with AS where the IRRs were 1.1 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.4) and 1.0 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.4). For humerus fracture, IRRs were 1.4 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.9) in men with AS versus controls and 1.1 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.6) in women.ConclusionsBoth men and women with AS have a slightly higher risk of non-vertebral fractures than the general population. A statistically significantly higher risk of fractures of the proximal humerus, distal forearm or hip was found in men with AS in comparison to general population, where the relative risk was especially pronounced for hip fracture.
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13.
  • Bertilsson, L, et al. (author)
  • A 5-year prospective population-based study of juvenile chronic arthritis: onset, disease process, and outcome.
  • 2012
  • In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 41:5, s. 379-82
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives: To investigate, in a population-based cohort of patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), onset characteristics, progression, outcome, and prognostic factors longitudinally for 5 years. Methods: This cohort consisted of 132 incidence cases identified between 1984 and 1986 in southwestern Sweden followed for 5 years with annual reports of subgroup, joint assessment, disease activity, eye examinations, laboratory measurements, and medication. At the 5-year follow-up, the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (Child-HAQ) was evaluated. European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria for diagnosis and disease activity were used. Results: During the 5 years only four patients were lost to follow-up, 34% changed subgroup and 8% developed uveitis. At the 5-year follow-up the disease was active in 12% of the patients, stable in 28%, inactive in 25%, and in remission in 34%. Among those examined, 24% had radiological changes, of whom half had advanced changes. The Child-HAQ median score at the 5-year follow-up was 0.13 (range 0.0-1.9). The number of involved joints at inclusion correlated positively with active disease at the 5-year follow-up. Age at disease onset, the number of involved joints, and the number of joints with arthritis correlated positively with continuous disease and Child-HAQ score. Conclusion. Our study shows a diverse disease course during the first 5 years of JCA where one-third changed subgroup and two-thirds did not reach remission. Age of disease onset, the number of involved joints, and the number of joints with arthritis at inclusion were associated with poor outcome at the 5-year follow-up.
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14.
  • Boström, Elisabeth Almer, 1983, et al. (author)
  • Salivary resistin reflects local inflammation in Sjögrens syndrome
  • 2008
  • In: Journal of Rheumatology. - 0315-162X .- 1499-2752. ; 35:10, s. 2005-2011
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of resistin in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and its relation to local inflammation. METHODS: Blood and saliva were collected from 37 patients with pSS (duration of symptoms 12.6+/-1 yrs) and 32 healthy controls. Expression of resistin in salivary glands was visualized immunohistologically, and levels of resistin were detected by ELISA. Levels of resistin were evaluated at baseline and following oral dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment (50 mg/day). The effect of DHEA treatment on the secretion of resistin was assessed in vitro in human leukocytes after challenge with insulin and lipopolysaccharide. RESULTS: Levels of resistin in saliva were significantly higher in patients with pSS than in controls, while circulating levels of resistin were similar in both groups. Resistin was expressed in the epithelial cells of striated ducts and in the lymphocytic foci. Resistin levels in saliva were related to the intensity of inflammation in the minor salivary glands of pSS patients. No changes of the levels of resistin in blood or saliva were observed during DHEA treatment. Exposure of naive leukocytes to DHEA in vitro induced significant expression of resistin compared to nonstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: We showed that levels of resistin are upregulated locally in the salivary glands of patients with pSS; and that the levels of resistin correspond to the intensity of lymphocytic inflammation in patients with pSS. We suggest that resistin is expressed in the salivary glands of patients with pSS and may be a driving factor of local inflammation.
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15.
  • Bower, Hannah, et al. (author)
  • Are JAKis more effective among elderly patients with RA, smokers and those with higher cardiovascular risk? A comparative effectiveness study of b/tsDMARDs in Sweden.
  • 2023
  • In: RMD open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2056-5933. ; 9:4
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • To investigate whether the relative effectiveness of janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) or other biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis differ by the presence or absence of risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease, age, sex and smoking.Through Swedish registers, we identified 13493 individuals with 3166 JAKi, 5575 non-TNFi and 11 286 TNFi treatment initiations 2016-2022. All lines of therapy were included, with the majority in second line or higher. Treatment response was defined as the proportion reaching European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) good response and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission, respectively, within 6 months. Crude percentage point differences in these proportions (JAKis, and non-TNFis, vs TNFis) overall and by risk factors were observed, and adjusted for confounders using linear regression models. Predicted probabilities of response and remission were estimated from adjusted Poisson models, and presented across CV risk and age.Overall, adjusted percentage point differences indicated higher response (+5.0%, 95% CI 2.2% to 7.9%) and remission (+5.8%, 95% CI 3.2% to 8.5%) with JAKis versus TNFis. The adjusted percentage point differences for response in those above 65, at elevated CV risk, and smokers were +5.9% (95% CI 2.7% to 9.0%), +8.3% (95% CI 5.3% to 11.4%) and +6.0% (95% CI 3.3% to 8.7%), respectively. The corresponding estimates for remission were +8.0% (95% CI 5.3% to 10.8%), +5.6% (95% CI 3.0% to 8.2%) and +7.6% (95% CI 5.5% to 9.7%).As used in clinical practice, response and remission at 6 months with JAKis are higher than with TNFi. Among patients with risk factors of concern, effectiveness is similar or numerically further increased. For individualised benefit-to-risk ratios to guide treatment choice, safety and effectiveness in specific patient segments should be considered.
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16.
  • Bower, H., et al. (author)
  • Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with inflammatory joint diseases in Sweden: from infection severity to impact on care provision
  • 2021
  • In: Rmd Open. - : BMJ. - 2056-5933. ; 7:3
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives To compare risks for COVID-19-related outcomes in inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) and across disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during the first two waves of the pandemic and to assess effects of the pandemic on rheumatology care provision. Methods Through nationwide multiregister linkages and cohort study design, we defined IJD and DMARD use annually in 2015-2020. We assessed absolute and relative risks of hospitalisation or death listing COVID-19. We also assessed the incidence of IJD and among individuals with IJD, rheumatologist visits, DMARD use and incidence of selected comorbidities. Results Based on 115 317 patients with IJD in 2020, crude risks of hospitalisation and death listing COVID-19 (0.94% and 0.33% across both waves, respectively) were similar during both waves (adjusted HR versus the general population 1.33, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.43, for hospitalisation listing COVID-19; 1.23, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.40 for death listing COVID-19). Overall, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs)/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs) did not increase risks of COVID-19 related hospitalisation (with the exception of a potential signal for JAK inhibitors) or death. During the pandemic, decreases were observed for IJD incidence (-7%), visits to rheumatology units (-16%), DMARD dispensations (+6.5% for bDMARD/tsDMARDs and -8.5% for conventional synthetic DMARDs compared with previous years) and for new comorbid conditions, but several of these changes were part of underlying secular trends. Conclusions Patients with IJD are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes, which may partially be explained by medical conditions other than IJD per se. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has exerted measurable effects on aspects of rheumatology care provision demonstrated, the future impact of which will need to be assessed.
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17.
  • Bower, Hannah, et al. (author)
  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on morbidity and mortality in patients with inflammatory joint diseases and in the general population : a nationwide Swedish cohort study
  • 2021
  • In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 80:8, s. 1086-1093
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives: To estimate absolute and relative risks for all-cause mortality and for severe COVID-19 in inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) and with antirheumatic therapies.Methods: Through Swedish nationwide multiregister linkages, we selected all adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n=53 455 in March 2020), other IJDs (here: spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, n=57 112), their antirheumatic drug use, and individually matched population referents. We compared annual all-cause mortality March-September 2015 through 2020 within and across cohorts, and assessed absolute and relative risks for hospitalisation, admission to intensive care and death due to COVID-19 March-September 2020, using Cox regression.Results: During March-September 2020, the absolute all-cause mortality in RA and in other IJDs was higher than 2015-2019, but relative risks versus the general population (around 2 and 1.5) remained similar during 2020 compared with 2015-2019. Among patients with IJD, the risks of hospitalisation (0.5% vs 0.3% in their population referents), admission to intensive care (0.04% vs 0.03%) and death (0.10% vs 0.07%) due to COVID-19 were low. Antirheumatic drugs were not associated with increased risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes, although for certain drugs, precision was limited.Conclusions: Risks of severe COVID-19-related outcomes were increased among patients with IJDs, but risk increases were also seen for non-COVID-19 morbidity. Overall absolute and excess risks are low and the level of risk increases are largely proportionate to those in the general population, and explained by comorbidities. With possible exceptions, antirheumatic drugs do not have a major impact on these risks.
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18.
  • Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al. (author)
  • Consequences of Gout and Hyperuricemia : Gikt och hyperurikemi starkt associerade med folksjukdomar
  • 2020
  • In: Läkartidningen. - 1652-7518. ; 117
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Hyperuricemia (HU) and gout are strongly associated with CVD, associations that are most likely due to shared etiologies rather than causality. HU is for example causally related to the metabolic syndrome and in particular to obesity. Gout and HU can both be caused by and lead to decreased kidney function. On the other hand, there are observational data suggesting that HU may protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease. Ongoing RCTs with urate and urate lowering therapy (ULT) will help to resolve some of these controversies. Nevertheless, gout is a "curable disease" by ULT, a treatment which in adequate doses may also have positive effect on several associated co-morbidities.
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19.
  • Deminger, Anna, 1973, et al. (author)
  • A five-year prospective study of spinal radiographic progression and its predictors in men and women with ankylosing spondylitis
  • 2018
  • In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 20
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background: Knowledge about predictors of new spinal bone formation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is limited. AS-related spinal alterations are more common in men; however, knowledge of whether predictors differ between sexes is lacking. Our objectives were to study spinal radiographic progression in patients with AS and investigate predictors of progression overall and by sex. Methods: Swedish patients with AS, age (mean +/- SD) 50 +/- 13 years, were included in a longitudinal study. At baseline and at 5-year follow up, spinal radiographs were graded according to the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Predictors were assessed by questionnaires, spinal mobility tests and blood samples. Results: Of 204 patients included, 166 (81%) were re-examined and 54% were men. Men had significantly higher mean mSASSS at baseline and higher mean increase in mSASSS than women (1.9 +/- 2.8 vs. 1.2 +/- 3.3; p = 0.005) More men than women developed new syndesmophytes (30% vs. 12%; p = 0.007). Multivariate logistic regression analyses with progression >= 2 mSASSS units over 5 years or development of new syndesmophytes as the dependent variable showed that presence of baseline AS-related spinal radiographic alterations and obesity (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.3 to 11.2) were independent predictors of spinal radiographic progression in both sexes. High C-reactive protein (CRP) was a significant predictor in men, with only a trend seen in women. Smoking predicted progression in men whereas high Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) and exposure to bisphosphonates during follow up (OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.1 to 20.1) predicted progression in women. Conclusion: This first report on sex-specific predictors of spinal radiographic progression shows that predictors may partly differ between the sexes. New predictors identified were obesity in both sexes and exposure to bisphosphonates in women. Among previously known predictors, baseline AS-related spinal radiographic alterations predicted radiographic progression in both sexes, high CRP was a predictor in men (with a trend in women) and smoking was a predictor only in men.
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20.
  • Deminger, Anna, 1973, et al. (author)
  • Elevated serum level of hepatocyte growth factor predicts development of new syndesmophytes in men with ankylosing spondylitis
  • 2021
  • In: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 60:4, s. 1804-1813
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVES: To study baseline serum hepatocyte growth factor (s-HGF) as a predictor of spinal radiographic progression overall and by sex and to analyse factors correlated to changes in s-HGF in patients with AS. METHODS: At baseline and the 5-year follow-up, s-HGF was analysed with ELISA. Spinal radiographs were graded according to modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score. Radiographic progression was defined as ≥2 modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score units/5 years or development of ≥1 syndesmophyte. Logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Of 204 baseline participants, 163 (80%) completed all examinations at the 5-year follow-up (54% men). Baseline s-HGF was significantly higher in men who developed ≥1 syndesmophyte compared with non-progressors, median (interquartile range) baseline s-HGF 1551 (1449-1898) vs 1436 (1200-1569) pg/ml, P = 0.003. The calculated optimal cut-off point for baseline s-HGF ≥1520 pg/ml showed a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 69% and univariate odds radio (95% CI) of 5.25 (1.69, 14.10) as predictor of development of ≥1 new syndesmophyte in men. Baseline s-HGF ≥1520 pg/ml remained significantly associated with development of ≥1 new syndesmophyte in men in an analysis adjusted for the baseline variables age, smoking, presence of syndesmophytes and CRP, odds radio 3.97 (1.36, 11.60). In women, no association with HGF and radiographic progression was found. Changes in s-HGF were positively correlated with changes in ESR and CRP. CONCLUSION: In this prospective cohort study elevated s-HGF was shown to be associated with development of new syndesmophytes in men with AS.
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21.
  • Di Giuseppe, D., et al. (author)
  • Uptake of rheumatology biosimilars in the absence of forced switching
  • 2018
  • In: Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1471-2598 .- 1744-7682. ; 18:5, s. 499-504
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background: To describe the uptake and system-level effects of the introduction of biosimilars in a setting without forced switching.Research design and methods: We used data from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality register from start of marketing of infliximab (Remsima (R) and Inflectra (R)) and etanercept (Benepali (R)) biosimilars until 31 December 2016. We compared users of each originator-product and its biosimilar(s) by line of treatment: bDMARD-naive patients, non-medical switchers (vs. matched patients remaining on originator), and patients switching from a previous bDMARD of another type.Results: From the start of marketing 1343 patients started an infliximab biosimilar (22 months) and 2691 started etanercept (9months). Overall, the introduction of these biosimilars resulted in an increase of the total number of ongoing infliximab and etanercept treatments (originator + biosimilar) . At the end of the study period, biosimilars accounted for 31% of all infliximab treatments and 31% of all etanercept-treated patients. For each line of therapy, we noted only small differences in patient characteristics between those starting the originator product vs. its biosimilar(s).Conclusions: Introduction of biosimilars have effects beyond replacement of the originator product, in terms of an increased rate of bDMARD initiation. Selection to non-medical switching displayed no particular disease- or patient-characteristics.
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22.
  • Drivelegka, Panagiota, et al. (author)
  • Association between serum level of urate and subclinical atherosclerosis: results from the SCAPIS Pilot
  • 2020
  • In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 22
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background Hyperuricemia is closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it has not been definitively established whether this association is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and whether it is gender-dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate in a population-based cohort (age range, 50-64 years) stratified by sex the association between the serum urate (SU) concentration and subclinical atherosclerosis, as reflected in the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and carotid plaque score. Methods The study involved participants in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) Pilot cohort (N = 1040; 48.8% males). This pilot cohort is part of the large population-based SCAPIS with 30,000 participants in the age range of 50-64 years, aimed at improving risk prediction for CVD. Subjects with a self-reported previous history of CVD (N = 68) or gout (N = 3) were excluded. The CAC score was assessed with the Agatston method using computed tomography. CIMT and carotid plaques were quantified by ultrasound. The associations between the SU quartiles and different levels of CAC, CIMT, and carotid plaques were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Results Age, BMI, education level, smoking, physical activity, hs-CRP, hypertension, and dyslipidemia showed no differences between males and females, while CAC (score > 0) and diabetes were both twice as common in men than in women (58% vs 26% and 8% vs 4%, respectively). Higher SU quartiles were in both sexes associated with BMI, hs-CRP, and the prevalence of hypertension, and in women, they were also associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemia. The three upper quartiles of SU (>308 mu mol/L) were linked to higher CAC scores in men, when adjusting for CVRFs, but not in women. CIMT and carotid plaques showed no correlation to SU in either sex. Conclusions Higher levels of SU are associated with the presence of CAC in men but not in women, whereas SU is not associated with CIMT or carotid plaques in either men or women. This implies that the biological effects of SU differ in men and women or that SU has varying effects on different vascular beds or during the different stages of the atherosclerotic process.
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23.
  • Engdahl, Cecilia, 1983, et al. (author)
  • Estrogen induces St6gal1 expression and increases IgG sialylation in mice and patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A potential explanation for the increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in postmenopausal women
  • 2018
  • In: Arthritis Research and Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 20:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) preferentially affects women, with the peak incidence coinciding with estrogen decrease in menopause. Estrogen (E2) may therefore have intrinsic immune-regulatory properties that vanish with menopause. Fc sialylation is a crucial factor determining the inflammatory effector function of antibodies. We therefore analyzed whether E2 affects immunoglobulin G (IgG) sialylation. Methods: Postmenopausal (ovariectomized) mice were immunized with ovalbumin and treated with E2 or vehicle. Total and ovalbumin-specific IgG concentrations, sialylation, and Fcγ receptor expression were analyzed. Postmenopausal women with RA receiving hormone replacement therapy, including E2, or no treatment were analyzed for IgG sialylation. Furthermore, effects of E2 on the expression of the sialylation enzyme β-galactoside α2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (St6Gal1) were studied in mouse and human antibody-producing cells. Results: E2 treatment significantly increased Fc sialylation of total and ovalbumin-specific IgG in postmenopausal mice. Furthermore, E2 led to increased expression of inhibitory Fcγ receptor IIb on bone marrow leukocytes. Treatment with E2 also increased St6Gal1 expression in mouse and human antibody-producing cells, providing a mechanistic explanation for the increase in IgG-Fc sialylation. In postmenopausal women with RA, treatment with E2 significantly increased the Fc sialylation of IgG. Conclusions: E2 induces anti-inflammatory effector functions in IgG by inducing St6Gal1 expression in antibody-producing cells and by increasing Fc sialylation. These observations provide a mechanistic explanation for the increased risk of RA in conditions with low estrogen levels such as menopause. © 2018 The Author(s).
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24.
  • Engdahl, Cecilia, 1983, et al. (author)
  • Role of Androgen and Estrogen Receptors for the Action of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • 2014
  • In: Endocrinology. - : The Endocrine Society. - 0013-7227 .- 1945-7170. ; 155:3, s. 889-896
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an abundant steroid hormone, and its mechanism of action is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to elucidate the importance of androgen receptors (ARs) and estrogen receptors (ERs) for DHEA function. Orchidectomized C57BL/6 mice were treated with DHEA, DHT, 17 beta-estradiol-3-benzoate (E2), or vehicle. Orchidectomized AR-deficient (ARKO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were treated with DHEA or vehicle for 2.5 weeks. At termination, bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated, thymus and seminal vesicles were weighted, and submandibular glands (SMGs) were histologically examined. To evaluate the in vivo ER activation of the classical estrogen signaling pathway, estrogen response element reporter mice were treated with DHEA, DHT, E2, or vehicle, and a reporter gene was investigated in different sex steroid-sensitive organs after 24 hours. DHEA treatment increased trabecular BMD and thymic atrophy in both WT and ARKO mice. In WT mice, DHEA induced enlargement of glands in the SMGs, whereas this effect was absent in ARKO mice. Furthermore, DHEA was able to induce activation of classical estrogen signaling in bone, thymus, and seminal vesicles but not in the SMGs. In summary, the DHEA effects on trabecular BMD and thymus do not require signaling via AR and DHEA can activate the classical estrogen signaling in these organs. In contrast, DHEA induction of gland size in the SMGs is dependent on AR and does not involve classical estrogen signaling. Thus, both ERs and ARs are involved in mediating the effects of DHEA in an organ-dependent manner.
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25.
  • Exarchou, Sofia, et al. (author)
  • Mortality in ankylosing spondylitis: results from a nationwide population-based study
  • 2016
  • In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 75:8, s. 1466-1472
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives Information on mortality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is scarce. Our study therefore aimed to assess: (1) mortality in AS versus the general population, and (2) predictors of death in the AS population. Methods Nationwide cohorts of patients with AS diagnosed at rheumatology or internal medicine outpatient clinics (n=8600) and age-matched, sex-matched and county-matched general population comparators (n=40 460) were identified from the National Patient Register and the census register, respectively. The follow-up period began on 1 January 2006 or at the first date of registered diagnosis thereafter and extended until death, emigration or 31 December 2012, whichever occurred first. Socioeconomic variables, AS-related clinical manifestations, joint surgery, comorbidities and medication were identified from other national registers. Cox regression models were used to determine mortality and predictors for death in the AS cohort. Results There were 496 deaths in the AS cohort and 1533 deaths in the control cohort resulting in an age-adjusted and sex-adjusted HR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.77), with increased mortality for men (age-adjusted HR=1.53, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.72) and women (ageadjusted HR=1.83, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.22). Within the AS cohort, statistically significant predictors for death were a lower level of education, general comorbidities (diabetes, infections, cardiovascular, pulmonary and malignant diseases) and previous hip replacement surgery. Conclusions Mortality was increased for male and female patients with AS. Predictors of death within the AS cohort included socioeconomic status, general comorbidities and hip replacement surgery.
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26.
  • Exarchou, Sofia, et al. (author)
  • The prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis and its clinical manifestations: a nationwide register study
  • 2015
  • In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 17
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Introduction: Prevalence estimates of ankylosing spondylitis vary considerably, and there are few nationwide estimates. The present study aimed to describe the national prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis in Sweden, stratified according to age, sex, geographical, and socio-economic factors, and according to subgroups with ankylosing spondylitis-related clinical manifestations and pharmacological treatment. Methods: All individuals diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis according to the World Health Organization International Classification of Disease codes, between 1967 and 2009, were identified from the National Patient Register. Data regarding disease manifestations, patient demographics, level of education, pharmacological treatment, and geographical region were retrieved from the National Patient Register and other national registers. Results: A total of 11,030 cases with an ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis (alive, living in Sweden, and 16 to 64 years old in December 2009) were identified in the National Patient Register, giving a point prevalence of 0.18% in 2009. The prevalence was higher in northern Sweden, and lower in those with a higher level of education. Men had a higher prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (0.23% versus 0.14%, P < 0.001), a higher frequency of anterior uveitis (25.5% versus 20.0%, P < 0.001) and were more likely to receive tumor necrosis factor inhibitors than women (15.6% versus 11.8% in 2009, P < 0.001). Women were more likely than men to have peripheral arthritis (21.7% versus 15.3%, P < 0.001), psoriasis (8.0% versus 6.9%, P = 0.03), and treatment with oral corticosteroids (14.0% versus 10.4% in 2009, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This nationwide, register-based study demonstrated a prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis of 0.18%. It revealed phenotypical and treatment differences between the sexes, as well as geographical and socio-economic differences in disease prevalence.
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27.
  • Feldthusen, Caroline, 1977, et al. (author)
  • Effects of Person-Centered Physical Therapy on Fatigue-Related Variables in Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
  • 2016
  • In: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1532-821X .- 0003-9993. ; 97:1, s. 26-36
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • To examine effects of person-centered physical therapy on fatigue and related variables in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Hospital outpatient rheumatology clinic. Participants Persons with RA aged 20 to 65 years (N=70): intervention group (n=36) and reference group (n=34). Interventions The 12-week intervention, with 6-month follow-up, focused on partnership between participant and physical therapist and tailored health-enhancing physical activity and balancing life activities. The reference group continued with regular activities; both groups received usual health care. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was general fatigue (visual analog scale). Secondary outcomes included multidimensional fatigue (Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multi-Dimensional Questionnaire) and fatigue-related variables (ie, disease, health, function). Results At posttest, general fatigue improved more in the intervention group than the reference group (P=.042). Improvement in median general fatigue reached minimal clinically important differences between and within groups at posttest and follow-up. Improvement was also observed for anxiety (P=.0099), and trends toward improvements were observed for most multidimensional aspects of fatigue (P=.023–.048), leg strength/endurance (P=.024), and physical activity (P=.023). Compared with the reference group at follow-up, the intervention group improvement was observed for leg strength/endurance (P=.001), and the trends toward improvements persisted for physical (P=.041) and living-related (P=.031) aspects of fatigue, physical activity (P=.019), anxiety (P=.015), self-rated health (P=.010), and self-efficacy (P=.046). Conclusions Person-centered physical therapy focused on health-enhancing physical activity and balancing life activities showed significant benefits on fatigue in persons with RA.
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28.
  • Feldthusen, Caroline, 1977, et al. (author)
  • EXPLANATORY FACTORS AND PREDICTORS OF FATIGUE IN PERSONS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
  • 2016
  • In: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - : Medical Journals Sweden AB. - 1650-1977 .- 1651-2081. ; 48:5, s. 469-476
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objective: To investigate the impact of disease-related aspects on long-term variations in fatigue in persons with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Sixty-five persons with rheumatoid arthritis, age range 20-65 years, were invited to a clinical examination at 4 time-points during the 4 seasons. Outcome measures were: general fatigue rated on visual analogue scale (0-100) and aspects of fatigue assessed by the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire. Diseaserelated variables were: disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), pain threshold (pressure algometer), physical capacity (six-minute walk test), pain (visual analogue scale (0-100)), depressive mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, depression subscale), personal factors (age, sex, body mass index) and season. Multivariable regression analysis, linear mixed effects models were applied. Results: The strongest explanatory factors for all fatigue outcomes, when recorded at the same time-point as fatigue, were pain threshold and depressive mood. Self-reported pain was an explanatory factor for physical aspects of fatigue and body mass index contributed to explaining the consequences of fatigue on everyday living. For predicting later fatigue pain threshold and depressive mood were the strongest predictors. Conclusion: Pain threshold and depressive mood were the most important factors for fatigue in persons with rheumatoid arthritis.
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29.
  • Feldthusen, Caroline, 1977, et al. (author)
  • Perception, consequences, communication, and strategies for handling fatigue in persons with rheumatoid arthritis of working age—a focus group study
  • 2013
  • In: Clinical Rheumatology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0770-3198 .- 1434-9949. ; 32:5, s. 557-66
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Abstract The aim of this study was to describe how persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of working age experience and handle their fatigue in everyday life. Six focus group discussions were conducted focusing on experiences of fatigue in 25 persons with RA (19 women, 6 men), aged 20–60 years. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. The analyses resulted in four categories. (1) Perception of fatigue: Fatigue was experienced different from normal tiredness, unpredictable, and overwhelming. It was associated with negative emotions, changed self-image, and fears. Feelings of frustration and shame were central when the persons were forced to omit valued life activities. (2) Consequences due to fatigue: The fatigue caused changes in cognitive ability, ability to act, and overall activity pattern where the increased need for rest and sleep caused an imbalance in daily life. The participants struggled not to let the fatigue interfere with work. The fatigue also brought negative consequences for their significant others. (3) Communicating fatigue: Fatigue was difficult to gain understanding for, and the participants adjusted their communication accordingly; it was important to keep up appearances. During medical consultation, fatigue was perceived as a factor not given much consideration, and the participants expressed taking responsibility for managing their fatigue symptoms themselves. (4) Strategies to handle fatigue: Strategies comprised conscious self-care, mental strategies, planning, and prioritizing. Fatigue caused considerable health problems for persons with RA of working age: negative emotions, imbalance in daily life due to increased need for rest, and difficulties gaining understanding. This draws attention to the importance of developing new modes of care to address fatigue in RA. Person-centered care to improve balance in life may be one approach needing further investigations.
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30.
  • Feldthusen, Caroline, 1977, et al. (author)
  • Seasonal variations in fatigue in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal study
  • 2016
  • In: Bmc Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 17
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background: Fatigue is a prominent symptom in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although this symptom has been described to vary in duration and frequency little is known about fluctuations in fatigue over time and season. The aim of this study was to describe monthly and seasonal variations in fatigue, in persons with RA of working age. Methods: Sixty-five participants diagnosed with RA and aged 20-65 years were recruited from a rheumatology clinic in Sweden. The participants provided self-assessments of their fatigue at seven time points during the four seasons using a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire (BRAF-MDQ). Multiple regression analysis using mixed models was used to analyze changes in fatigue over time. Results: The mean +/- SD of fatigue rated on the VAS was 51 +/- 13, indicating substantial fatigue. Analysis of monthly variation showed statistically significant variation in fatigue ratings concerning VAS fatigue score (p < 0.01) as well as the BRAF-MDQ total score and Living, Cognition (p < 0.001), and Physical (p < 0.05) sub-scores, but not the BRAF-MDQ Emotional sub-score. The greatest variations were seen from January to September, with higher fatigue ratings in January. The changes in VAS fatigue scores over time were considered to be of clinical importance. Analysis of seasonal variation revealed a statistically significant seasonal variation in fatigue levels, with higher fatigue values during the winter as measured by VAS fatigue score (p < 0.01) as well as BRAF-MDQ total score (p < 0.01) and Physical and Living sub-scores (both p < 0.01). The greatest variation was seen between winter and autumn for VAS fatigue and between winter and summer for BRAF-MDQ total score and Physical and Living sub-scores. There were no statistical differences in fatigue levels, monthly or seasonal, between sexes or age groups. Conclusions: The majority of rating scales used in this study showed fluctuations in fatigue, general and physical fatigue being significantly greater during the winter. As fatigue is a substantial symptom in many persons with RA, this information is important for rheumatology professionals when dealing with persons with RA in routine care.
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31.
  • Feldthusen, Caroline, 1977, et al. (author)
  • Variations of fatigue in persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis- a 1 year longitudinal study.
  • 2014
  • In: DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.3502. Ann Rheum Dis. ; 73:Suppl2
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • Background: Beside pain, fatigue is expressed as the most prominent symptom in RA [1,2] and has been described as having a greater impact on daily life than pain [2]. Persons with RA experience that their fatigue vary over time concerning duration and frequency [3]. Longitudinal studies assessing change in fatigue after a period of one year have reported relatively stable fatigue [4] or considerable variations of fatigue [5]. More knowledge is needed about how fatigue in persons with RA vary over time. Objectives: To study variations of fatigue during one year in persons with RA of working age. Methods: Sixty-five participants having RA and being of working age (20-65 years) were recruited from a rheumatology clinic in West Sweden. Questionnaires assessing fatigue were given to the participants every other month during 1 year, in total seven times. Fatigue was assessed using both single-item and multidimensional measures: – VAS for global fatigue (0-100 mm) (endpoints no fatigue and worst imaginable fatigue) – The Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire, (BRAF-MDQ) consisting a global score (Total) and four subscales (Physical, Living, Cognition, Emotion) [6-7]. Results: The fatigue showed statistically significant variation over time for the outcome measures VAS fatigue (p<0.01), BRAF-MDQ Total and the subscales Living, Cognition (p<0.001) and Physical (p<0.05), when analyzed by mixed models. For the subscale Emotion (p=0.08) the variation of fatigue over time was not statistically significant. A statistically significant seasonal variation was shown for global fatigue (VAS p<0.01 and BRAF-MDQ Total p<0.001) and physical aspects of fatigue (BRAF-MDQ Physical and Living p<0.01) indicating less physical fatigue in the summer. No statistical differences over time were seen in fatigue between women and men or between age-groups. Conclusions: This study show that fatigue in persons with RA vary significantly during one year and further acknowledges the dynamic nature of fatigue and the complexity of its different facets. References: Wolfe, F., D.J. Hawley, and K. Wilson, The prevalence and meaning of fatigue in rheumatic disease. J Rheumatol, 1996. 23(8): p. 1407-17. Repping-Wuts, H., et al., Fatigue as experienced by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a qualitative study. Int J Nurs Stud, 2008. 45(7): p. 995-1002. Hewlett, S., et al., Patients' perceptions of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: overwhelming, uncontrollable, ignored. Arthritis Rheum, 2005. 53(5): p. 697-702. Mancuso, C.A., et al., Psychosocial variables and fatigue: a longitudinal study comparing individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls. J Rheumatol, 2006. 33(8): p. 1496-502. Treharne, G.J., et al., Predictors of fatigue over 1 year among people with rheumatoid arthritis. Psychol Health Med, 2008. 13(4): p. 494-504. Nicklin, J., et al., Measuring fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study to evaluate the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multi-Dimensional questionnaire, visual analog scales, and numerical rating scales. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken), 2010. 62(11): p. 1559-68. Dures, E.K., et al., Reliability and sensitivity to change of the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Scales. Rheumatology (Oxford), 2013.
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32.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Bone mineral density by digital X-ray radiogrammetry is strongly decreased and associated with joint destruction in long-standing Rheumatoid Arthritis: a cross-sectional study.
  • 2011
  • In: BMC musculoskeletal disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 12
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Abstract Background The aims were to explore bone mineral density (BMD) by digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) in postmenopausal women with long-lasting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in relation to dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-BMD, joint destruction by conventional radiographs and disease related variables in a cross-sectional study. Methods Seventy-five postmenopausal women with RA were examined by DXA measuring DXA-BMD of the forearm, total hip and lumbar spine, by scoring joint destruction on plain radiographs by the method of Larsen and by DXR-BMD in metacarpals two to four. The DXR-BMD results of the RA women were compared with an age and sex-matched reference database. A function of DXR-BMD in relation to age and disease duration was created. Associations were investigated by bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses. Results DXR-BMD was strongly decreased in RA patients compared to the reference database (p < 0.001). Calculations showed that DXR-BMD was not markedly influenced the first years after diagnosis of RA, but between approximately 5-10 years of disease there was a steep decline in DXR-BMD which subsequently levelled off. In multiple regression analyses disease duration, CRP and DXR-BMD were independent variables associated with Larsen score (R2= 0.64). Larsen score and BMD forearm were independent determinants of DXR-BMD (R2 = 0.79). Conclusions DXR-BMD was strongly reduced and associated with both Larsen score and DXA-BMD forearm in these postmenopausal women with RA implying that DXR-BMD is a technique that reflects both the erosive process and bone loss adjacent to affected joints.
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33.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Drug adherence, response and predictors thereof for tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Swedish biologics register
  • 2015
  • In: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 54:7, s. 1186-1193
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objective. To evaluate drug adherence, clinical response and predictors thereof for tocilizumab in patients with RA in routine care based on prospectively collected data from the Swedish biologics register, Anti-Rheumatic Therapies in Sweden. Methods. RA patients who had started with tocilizumab from September 2008 until March 2012 were identified. Cox regression and logistic regression models were used. Results. A total of 530 RA patients were included, of whom 80.6% were female, 64.7% were on concomitant DMARDs, of which 300 were on MTX and 12% were biologic naive. The overall 6 month, 1 and 2 year estimated drug continuations were 79%, 64% and 50%, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, a low initial level of CRP [hazard ratio (HR) 0.76/1S. D. (95% CI 0.63, 0.91)], high HAQ score [HR 1.23/1S.D. (95% CI 1.06, 1.44)] and prior exposure to different biologics [HR 1.43 (95% CI 1.12, 1.83)] were predictors for drug termination, whereas concomitant DMARD therapy was not. European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good, moderate, and no response were achieved by 184 (46.7%), 133 (33.8%) and 77 (19.5%) patients, respectively. Predictors for EULAR good response vs no response (at 2.5-8 months) were low HAQ [odds ratio (OR) 0.56/1S. D. (95% CI 0.40, 0.78)], high 28-joint DAS [OR 2.0/1S. D. (95% CI 1.44, 2.78)] and not being on prednisolone [OR 0.47 (95% CI 0.25, 0.88)] at baseline. Conclusion. In this RA cohort treated with tocilizumab, the estimated 1 year drug continuation was 64% and 80% of the patients achieved a EULAR response. Drug discontinuation was not predicted by no concomitant DMARD, but by low CRP, high HAQ and prior exposure to biologics.
  •  
34.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Fatigue and blood pressure in primary Sjogren's syndrome.
  • 2008
  • In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 37:4, s. 284-92
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVE: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fatigue. Little is known about the genesis of fatigue. Fatigue is thought to represent a multidimensional concept and it is important to be able to measure it confidently. The aims were to evaluate the reliability and validity of the 20-item Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) in SS and to search for factors associated with this disabling symptom. METHODS: Forty-eight women with primary SS completed the MFI-20 questionnaire. The results were compared with age-matched women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy controls. Convergent construct validity was assessed by correlations to a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for global fatigue by Spearman's correlation (r(s)). Test-retest reliability was analysed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in 28 women. Associations between clinical variables and subscales of the MFI-20 were analysed. RESULTS: The SS women scored significantly higher in all subscales of the MFI-20 compared to controls but similar to FM. The ICCs were satisfactory, ranging from 0.66 for general fatigue to 0.85 for the total score of MFI-20. All subscales correlated significantly to VAS for global fatigue, general fatigue showing the highest correlation (r(s) = 0.70). The estimated number of hours of sleep/day was significantly associated with many of the fatigue dimensions. All five subscales of the MFI-20 were inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure (BP) and two with systolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: The MFI-20 was found to be a reliable and valid tool for the measurement of fatigue in primary SS. High levels of fatigue were correlated with low BP, suggesting an associated involvement of the autonomic nervous system.
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35.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Hormone replacement therapy, calcium and vitamin D3 versus calcium and vitamin D3 alone decreases markers of cartilage and bone metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN46523456]
  • 2004
  • In: Arthritis Res Ther. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1465-9905 .- 1478-6354. ; 6:5
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), known to prevent osteoporosis and fractures, on markers of bone and cartilage metabolism. Furthermore, we assessed whether changes in these markers corresponded to alterations in bone mineral density and radiographic joint destructions in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. Eighty-eight women were randomized to receive HRT, calcium, and vitamin D3, or calcium and vitamin D3 alone, for 2 years. Bone turnover was studied by analyzing serum levels of C-terminal telopeptide fragments of type I collagen (CTX-I), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), bone sialoprotein, and C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and cartilage turnover by urinary levels of collagen type II C-telopeptide degradation fragments (CTX-II) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in serum. Treatment with HRT resulted in decrease in CTX-I (P < 0.001), ICTP (P < 0.001), PICP (P < 0.05), COMP (P < 0.01), and CTX-II (P < 0.05) at 2 years. Reductions in CTX-I, ICTP, and PICP were associated with improved bone mineral density. Of the markers tested, CTX-I reflected bone turnover most sensitively; it was reduced by 53 +/- 6% in the patients receiving HRT. Baseline ICTP (P < 0.001), CTX-II (P < 0.01), and COMP (P < 0.05) correlated with the Larsen score. We suggest that biochemical markers of bone and cartilage turnover may provide a useful tool for assessing novel treatment modalities in arthritis, concerning both joint protection and prevention of osteoporosis.
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36.
  •  
37.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • 2006
  • In: Current Rheumatology Reviews. - 1573-3971. ; 2:3, s. 251-260
  • Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting 2-3 times more women as compared to men. The peak incidence of RA in women coincides with the years around menopause when the production of estradiol (E2) and progesterone diminishes. The course of RA is also influenced by hormonal changes. The condition often ameliorates during pregnancy followed by flares after delivery. Animal studies have revealed distinct beneficial effects on arthritis by E2. Studies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal RA have disclosed improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) and recently also beneficial effects on disease activity was found. However, in view of side effects by conventional HRT, its use has to be individualized for any given patient and there is a need for new therapeutic agents selectively inducing potent anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects, but without the adverse effects associated with HRT. This review will discuss: -Hormonal factors and gender associated with RA. -Sex hormones and the influence on the immune system and bone. -The effects of treatment with sex hormones on disease activity in RA. -The effects of HRT on BMD and bone and cartilage turnover in RA.
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38.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961 (author)
  • Hormone replacement therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
  • 2003
  • Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is 2-3 times more frequent in women as compared to men. The peak incidence in women coincides with the years around the menopause and the course of RA is also influenced by events associated with hormonal alterations. Animal studies have revealed distinct beneficial effects on arthritis by treatment with estradiol (E2) whereas human studies have been inconclusive. RA is associated with increased prevalence of osteoporosis and fractures related to the reduced bone mineral density (BMD).We have conducted a two-years randomised controlled trial with the aim of evaluating different aspects of HRT in 88 postmenopausal women with RA. All patients received a daily dose of 500 mg calcium and 400 IE vitamin D3 and women in the HRT group were given E2 plus noretisterone acetate. The patients took also part in a cross sectional observational study investigating the frequency of osteoporosis and predictors of reduced BMD and joint destruction.The disease activity, measured by the 28 joint count disease activity score (DAS 28) decreased significantly more in the HRT group as compared to the controls. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and orosomucoid, decreased and hemoglobin (Hb) increased in the HRT group. The improved Hb levels were believed to be secondary to the reduced inflammation as indicated by simultaneously increase in serum iron, total iron binding capacity and saturation of transferrin.The BMD increased significantly in the total hip, lumbar spine and forearm in the HRT group and estimations revealed that the improved BMD in the hip corresponded to a 20 % risk reduction of fractures in the hip in the HRT group. There was no overall difference in the radiographic outcome between the groups but, in the subgroup of patients with increasing joint damage, HRT retarded significantly the progression of destruction.HRT reduced biochemical markers reflecting bone metabolism assessed by decrease in two different fragments of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX-I and ICTP and the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, PICP. The reductions of the markers were associated with improved BMD at two years. CTX-I was the most sensitive of all markers tested. HRT also reduced biochemical markers reflecting cartilage turnover assessed by decrease in urinary levels of collagen type II C-telopeptide degradation fragments, CTX-II and serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, COMP.HRT reduced serum levels of soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R), an agonist to IL-6, a cytokine involved in both bone remodelling and the inflammatory process in RA. The bone-anabolic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) increased significantly in the HRT group. Both of these findings; might be involved in the mechanisms mediating the beneficial effects of HRT in RA. Interestingly, the increase in IGF-1 was modestly connected with decrease in ESR and elevation of serum levels of E2 was associated with reduction of sIL-6R.Fifty-six % of the postmenopausal RA women, not treated with HRT or bisphosphonate, had osteoporosis in at least one measured site. High age, low body weight and severe joint damage were the most important determinants of reduced BMD whereas elevated CRP and long disease duration were the best predictors of high Larsen score found in the multiple stepwise regression analyses.
  •  
39.
  •  
40.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Hormone replacement therapy in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with lower serum levels of soluble IL-6 receptor and higher insulin-like growth factor 1.
  • 2003
  • In: Arthritis research & therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1465-9905 .- 1478-6354. ; 5:4
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) modulates the imbalance in bone remodeling, thereby decreasing bone loss. Sex hormones are known to influence rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HRT on the serum levels of hormones and cytokines regulating bone turnover in 88 postmenopausal women with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) randomly allocated to receive HRT plus calcium and vitamin D3 or calcium and vitamin D3 alone for 2 years. An increase in estradiol (E2) correlated strongly with improvement of bone mineral density in the hip (P < 0.001) and lumbar spine (P < 0.001). Both baseline levels and changes during the study of IL-6 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were correlated positively (P < 0.001). HRT for 2 years resulted in an increase of the bone anabolic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (P < 0.05) and a decrease of serum levels of soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) (P < 0.05), which is known to enhance the biological activity of IL-6, an osteoclast-stimulating and proinflammatory cytokine. Baseline levels of IL-6 and IGF-1 were inversely associated (P < 0.05), and elevation of IGF-1 was connected with decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.05) after 2 years. Interestingly, increase in serum levels of E2 was associated with reduction of sIL-6R (P < 0.05) and reduction of sIL-6R was correlated with improved bone mineral density in the lumbar spine (P < 0.05). The latter association was however not significant after adjusting for the effect of E2 (P = 0.075). The influences of IGF-1 and the IL-6/sIL-6R pathways suggest possible mechanisms whereby HRT may exert beneficial effects in RA. However, to confirm this hypothesis future and larger studies are needed.
  •  
41.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Influence of hormone replacement therapy on disease progression and bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • 2003
  • In: The Journal of rheumatology. - 0315-162X .- 1499-2752. ; 30:7, s. 1456-63
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVE: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is known to exert a positive effect in preventing bone loss and a beneficial effect on the disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the effects of HRT on bone mineral density (BMD) and on the course of established RA. METHODS: Eighty-eight postmenopausal women with RA were randomly allocated to receive HRT, vitamin D3, and calcium supplementation or vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation alone for 2 years. The effects of additional HRT on laboratory and clinical measures of disease activity, quality of life, and BMD and on radiographic joint damage were investigated. RESULTS: Treatment with HRT suppressed signs of inflammation as shown by reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p = 0.025) and an elevation in hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.007), a better clinical outcome assessed by response on the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) (p = 0.036), increased BMD in the forearm, proximal femur and spine (p < 0.01), and retarded (p = 0.026) progression of joint destruction among patients with radiological progressive disease. No significant effect on quality of life was seen. CONCLUSION: Two years of HRT in women with active RA had significant ameliorating effects on inflammation, DAS28 response, and BMD and was associated with slower progression of radiological joint destruction. The mechanisms by which HRT exerts its effects remain to be elucidated. We suggest HRT can be used in addition to conventional therapy in the management of postmenopausal patients with RA.
  •  
42.
  •  
43.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Low serum levels of sex steroids are associated with disease characteristics in primary Sjogren's syndrome; supplementation with dehydroepiandrosterone restores the concentrations.
  • 2009
  • In: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. - : The Endocrine Society. - 1945-7197 .- 0021-972X. ; 94:6, s. 2044-51
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • CONTEXT: Serum levels of the sex steroid prohormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) decline upon aging and are reduced in primary Sjogren's syndrome. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate: 1) effects of 50 mg oral DHEA/day on changes in serum levels of DHEA and 12 of its metabolites; 2) relationships between steroid levels and disease characteristics; and 3) whether these parameters were influenced by DHEA. DESIGN: Twenty-three postmenopausal women with primary Sjogren's syndrome and subnormal levels of DHEA-S were included in a randomized, 9-month, controlled, double blind crossover study. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS)/MS and gas chromatography/MS were used to measure the sex steroids. Anti-SS-A/Ro and/or anti-SS-B/La, salivary gland focus score, salivary flow rates, dry mouth and eye symptoms, and routine laboratory tests were assessed. RESULTS: Baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate was inversely correlated with testosterone (Testo), dihydrotestosterone, and DHEA-S (rs = -0.42, -0.45, and -0.58, respectively). Dry mouth symptoms correlated with low Testo and androstenedione, whereas dry eyes correlated with low estrogens, most strongly estrone (rs = -0.63). Presence of anti-SS-A and/or anti-SS-B was independently associated with low estradiol (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.82). All metabolites increased during DHEA but not during placebo. The relative increases were less for estrogens and Testo compared to dihydrotestosterone and glucuronidated androgen metabolites. Dry mouth symptoms decreased during DHEA therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Disease manifestations in primary Sjogren's syndrome were associated with low sex hormone levels, dry mouth symptoms with low androgens, and dry eyes with low estrogens. Exogenous DHEA was preferentially transformed into androgens rather than into estrogens.
  •  
44.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Radiographic joint destruction in postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis is strongly associated with generalised osteoporosis.
  • 2003
  • In: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 62:7, s. 617-23
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVES: To investigate determinants of joint destruction and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not treated with bisphosphonates or hormone replacement therapy and to evaluate if there are common markers of erosive disease and bone loss. METHODS: BMD was measured using dual x ray absorptiometry and joint damage was examined by x ray examination according to the Larsen method in 88 patients with RA. Associations between BMD and Larsen score, and between demographic and disease related variables, including proinflammatory cytokines, HLA-DR4 epitopes, and markers of bone and cartilage turnover, were examined bivariately by simple and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: 49/88 (56%) patients had osteoporosis in at least one site. Reduced BMD and increased joint destruction were associated with: at the forearm and femoral neck, high Larsen score, low weight, and old age (R(2)=0.381, p<0.001; R(2)=0.372, p<0.001, respectively); at the total hip, low weight, high Larsen score, and dose of injected glucocorticosteroids (R(2)=0.435, p<0.001); at the lumbar spine, low weight, reduced cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and increased carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (R(2)=0.248, p<0.001). Larsen score was associated with long disease duration and increased C reactive protein (CRP) (R(2)=0.545, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is common in postmenopausal patients with RA. Low weight and high Larsen score were strongly associated with BMD reduction. Increased CRP and long disease duration were determinants of erosive disease in postmenopausal women with RA. These findings indicate common mechanisms of local and generalised bone loss in RA.
  •  
45.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • Resistin in serum is associated with higher levels of IL-1Ra in post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • 2008
  • In: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 47:7, s. 1082-7
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between serum levels of resistin, an adipokine and markers of inflammation, bone metabolism, plasma lipids and kidney function in post-menopausal RA patients and to evaluate if HRT during 2 yrs affected resistin levels. METHODS: Eighty-eight women were randomly allocated to receive HRT, vitamin D(3) and calcium or vitamin D(3) and calcium alone. Serum levels of resistin, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, IL-6 soluble receptor, TNF-alpha were measured by ELISA, markers of bone metabolism, carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen by RIA, ESR, CRP, Hb, creatinine and lipids by standard laboratory techniques, BMD and total lean mass (TLM) by DXA and joint destruction by Larsen score. Resistin was also measured in 42 healthy control women. RESULTS: There was no difference in resistin concentration between patients and healthy controls. Resistin was significantly correlated with IL-1Ra, CRP, TNF-alpha, ICTP, glucocorticosteroids and Larsen score and inversely with BMD, hip and with TLM. In multiple regression analysis, IL-1Ra, TLM and use of corticosteroids remained determinants of resistin. Patients treated with HRT displayed significant increase in resistin compared with controls in the first but not the second year. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin was associated with increased inflammation, particularly by the acute-phase reactant IL-1Ra antagonizing IL-1beta, joint destruction, glucocorticosteroids and with reduced BMD and TLM. These findings suggest resistin being a significant mediator in the inflammatory process in RA. Further studies examining the mechanisms behind the relation between resistin and IL-1Ra are encouraged. HRT does not seem to have important long-term effect on resistin.
  •  
46.
  • Forsblad d'Elia, Helena, 1961, et al. (author)
  • The Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Humoral and Cell-mediated Immune Responses In Vivo in Post-menopausal Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • 2008
  • In: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. - : Wiley. - 1365-3083 .- 0300-9475. ; 68:6, s. 661-667
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • It is well known that oestrogen has immunomodulatory properties. We have previously shown disease ameliorating effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HRT and the patients inflammatory state on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Eighty-eight post-menopausal RA women were allocated to receive HRT (oestradiol and noretisterone acetate), vitamin D3 and calcium or vitamin D3 and calcium alone in a 2-year randomized controlled trial. Immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG and IgA) in serum were measured by nephelometry and rheumatoid factor (RF) concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunization with influenza vaccine was performed to quantitate humoral response to recall antigen and tuberculin skin test with purified protein derivative (PPD) to test T-cell-mediated immune response. These immune related measures were correlated with demographic and disease-related variables. HRT during 2 years did not alter concentrations of Ig, RF, IgM response to influenza vaccine or the PPD reaction. The increase in IgM against influenza vaccine was significantly positively correlated with signs of disease activity; C-reactive protein, disease activity score 28 and inversely with haemoglobin. In contrast, PPD reactivity was inversely associated with disease activity. In conclusion, long-term HRT in RA does not influence Ig or autoantibody concentrations in serum and has no significant impact on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to recall antigens. Interestingly, high disease activity was associated to increased humoral but decreased cell-mediated immune responses irrespectively of hormone treatment.
  •  
47.
  • Frisell, T., et al. (author)
  • Patient characteristics influence the choice of biological drug in RA, and will make non-TNFi biologics appear more harmful than TNFi biologics
  • 2018
  • In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 77:5, s. 650-657
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives With the wide range of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) available for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and limited evidence to guide the choice for individual patients, we wished to evaluate whether patient characteristics influence the choice of bDMARD in clinical practice, and to quantify the extent to which this would bias direct comparisons of treatment outcome. Methods Register-based study of all Swedish patients with RA initiating necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), rituximab, abatacept or tocilizumab in 2011-2015 as their first bDMARD (n=6481), or after switch from TNFi as first bDMARD (n=2829). Group differences in demographics, clinical characteristics and medical history were assessed in multivariable regression models. Predicted differences in safety and treatment outcomes were calculated as a function of patient characteristics, through regression modelling based on observed outcomes among patients with RA starting bDMARDs 2006-2010. Results Patients starting non-TNFi were older than those starting TNFi, had lower socioeconomic status, higher disease activity and higher burden of diseases including malignancy, serious infections and diabetes. Differences were most pronounced at first bDMARD initiation. These factors were linked to treatment outcome independent of therapy, yielding worse apparent safety and effectiveness for non-TNFi biologics, most extreme for rituximab. Standardising to the age/sex distribution of the TNFi group reduced differences considerably. Conclusions There was significant channelling of older and less healthy patients with RA to non-TNFi bDMARDs, in particular as first bDMARD. Whether this channelling represents a maximised benefit/risk ratio is unclear. Unless differences in age, medical history and disease activity are accounted for, they will substantially confound non-randomised comparative studies of available bDMARDs' safety and effectiveness.
  •  
48.
  • Frisell, T., et al. (author)
  • Safety of biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis as used in clinical practice: results from the ARTIS programme
  • 2023
  • In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 82:5
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • ObjectiveLongitudinal clinical registry-infrastructures such as Anti-Rheumatic Therapies in Sweden (ARTIS) allow simultaneous comparison of the safety of individual immunomodulatory drugs used in clinical practice, with consistent definitions of treatment cohorts, follow-up and outcomes. Our objective was to assess and compare incidence rates of key safety outcomes for individual targeted synthetic or biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/ts DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), updating previous reports and including newer treatments including Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi). MethodsNationwide register-based cohort study including all patients with RA in Sweden registered as starting any b/tsDMARD 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2020, followed until 30 June 2021 (N=20 117). The incidence rates of selected outcomes, identified through national healthcare registers, were compared between individual b/tsDMARDs, adjusted for confounding by demographics, RA disease characteristics and comorbidity. ResultsThere were marked differences in treatment discontinuations due to adverse events (rates per 1000 person-years ranged from 18 on rituximab to 57 on tofacitinib), but few significant differences were observed for the serious adverse events under study. Neither cardiovascular events nor general serious infections were more frequent on baricitinib or tofacitinib versus bDMARDs, but JAKi were associated with higher rates of hospital-treated herpes zoster (HR vs etanercept, 3.82 (95% CI 2.05 to 7.09) and 4.00 (1.59 to 10.06)). Low number of events limited some comparisons, in particular for sarilumab and tofacitinib. ConclusionData from ARTIS supports that the b/tsDMARDs currently used to treat RA have acceptable and largely similar safety profiles, but differences exist in particular concerning tolerability and specific infection risks.
  •  
49.
  • Grüner Sveälv, Bente, 1956, et al. (author)
  • Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study.
  • 2015
  • In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 44:2, s. 111-117
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Objectives: To determine the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by following recommended criteria from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and using single variables reflecting DD. Method: A total of 187 patients with AS (105 men; mean age 51 ± 13 years; mean duration of disease 15 ± 11 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and underwent pulsed-wave and tissue Doppler imaging. Results: By following ASE recommended criteria, we observed that 12% of patients with AS had mild DD. We also compared single standard Doppler values with normal age-stratified reference values and showed a wide variation in the number of patients with AS outside the 95% confidence interval (CI) of normal values depending on the variable chosen (ranging from 1.1% to 30.5%). Conclusions: By following recommended criteria, our cross-sectional study shows that DD was infrequent and mild in patients with AS.
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50.
  • Hallström, Magnus, et al. (author)
  • Physical function and sex differences in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis on Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index
  • 2023
  • In: Arthritis Research and Therapy. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 25:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Background: Physical function is an important determinant of health-related quality of life in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients (r-axSpA). To improve the basis of effective healthcare efforts, we aimed to investigate which demographic and disease-related factors that influence Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) in r-axSpA patients overall and stratified by sex. Furthermore, we sought to explore differences between sexes regarding separate BASFI questions and also to explore which factors that may contribute to these differences. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included patients fulfilling the modified New York criteria for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Patients were assessed with 66/68 joint count and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) measurements. Lateral X-rays were performed for Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and BASFI were registered. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate which factors that associate with BASFI. Results: A total of 353 r-axSpA patients were included, mean age 52.2 ± 12.7years, 62.3% males. No significant sex difference was seen in BASFI scores (2.7 ± 2.0 in males vs 2.9 ± 2.1 in females). Age, body mass index, ASDAS-CRP, BASMI or mSASSS, fatigue, and tenderness were found to associate independently with BASFI in different models (R 2 0.53–0.63). Investigation of separate BASFI questions revealed that the ability to look over shoulder was worse in males than females (mean 4.43 ± 3.37 vs 3.74 ± 3.06, p = 0.05) and most strongly correlated with mSASSS and BASMI among separate BASFI questions (r = 0.53, p < 0.001; r = 0.62, p < 0.001). The ability to climb stairs was worse in females than males (mean 2.49 ± 2.77 vs 1.54 ± 2.32, p < 0.001). Conclusions: No difference between male and female r-axSpA patients was seen in BASFI despite significant sex differences in BASMI, mSASSS, and CRP levels. Our results underline the impact of fatigue and tenderness on BASFI. The ability to climb stairs without a handrail was scored worse among females compared to males. Furthermore, the ability to look over the shoulder was worse in males than females and closely related to spinal mobility and structural spinal changes.
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