ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6668-9638
Current Organisations
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
,
Flinders University
,
Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health
,
Flinders Medical Centre
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Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2011
Publisher: American Society of Hematology
Date: 29-11-2018
DOI: 10.1182/BLOOD-2018-99-119965
Abstract: Introduction: A subset of patients with MDS and related myeloid disorders present with concomitant autoimmune rheumatological diseases (AIRD) however the prevalence ranges from 10-48% based on limited literature. Further, use of immunosuppressive agents in AIRD patients could confound the secondary diagnosis of MDS and in some cases cause it (therapy-related myeloid neoplasm t-MN). The prevalence of cytopenia in AIRD patients is unknown and the genetic characteristics of MDS patients with concomitant AIRD have not been described. Hence, we interrogated two large multi-institutional databases -Royal Adelaide Hospital Rheumatology Database (RAH-RD) and South-Australian MDS (SA-MDS) registry in this study. Methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment data of 2663 AIRD and 1157 MDS patients were analysed. In AIRD patients (autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, spondyloarthritis, vasculitis and connective tissue diseases), cytopenia (persisting months) were defined as follows: hemoglobin g/dL, absolute neutrophil /mm3 and platelet ,000/mm3. Targeted massively parallel sequencing of a custom panel of 43 myeloid neoplasms associated genes and 20 Fanconi (FA) DNA repair pathway genes (all coding regions) was performed on diagnosis bone marrow s les (n=237). An in-house well established filtering pipeline was used for identification of somatic mutations. Matched germline material was available for 62/194 (32%) patients. Only variants with Genome Aggregation Database minor allele frequency of ≤0.01% and variant allele frequency of ≥35% were selected for further analysis of germline variants. Results: During follow up of 2663 AIRD patients, 36 (1.3%) patients satisfied the criteria for at least one cytopenia. Anemia (19/36, 53%) was most common followed by neutropenia (8/36, 22%), thrombocytopenia (4/36, 11%) and bi-cytopenia (5/36, 14%). Twenty-two patients had bone marrow examination which was non-diagnostic in 16 patients, while 7/2663 (0.3%) patients were diagnosed with MDS. Importantly, 5 patients with MDS and 11 patients with cytopenia did not receive any cytotoxic agents. In the MDS database, 69(5.4%) were diagnosed with AIRD, with rheumatoid arthritis (n=20, 29%) being the most common AIRD. Among these 69 patients, 24 (34.8%) had low risk MDS and 15 (21.7%) had higher risk MDS. The remaining 30 patients had t-MN (n=19, 27.5%), MDS/MPN (n=8, 11.6%) and AML (n=3, 4.3%). Overall, in a combined population of 2663 RAH-RD and 1157 SA-MDS, 76(2%) had concomitant MDS and AIRD. Genetic profile of patients with MDS and AIRD: The cytogenetic and mutational profile of MDS patients with (n=20) or without (n=217) AIRD were compared. No significant difference was seen in the cytogenetic profile (normal, complex or monosomal karyotype, chr. 5 or 7 abnormalities) between the two groups but in mutational analysis, 56 mutations were seen in 20 MDS patients with AIRD (Fig1). In these patients, mutations in epigenetic pathways were most common (23/56, 41%) followed by transcription pathway (10/56, 18%). Splicing mutations were seen in 5 patients, with SRSF2 mutations being more common than SF3B1. Mutations in TP53 were present in 4 (24%) patients 3/4 patients developed MDS following therapy for AIRD (t-MDS). IDH1 mutations were found in significantly higher frequency in MDS patients with AIRD compared to MDS without AIRD (30% vs 3%, p=0.04). There was no significant difference in the frequency of other mutations or overall mutation frequency between the two groups. Interestingly, 2 (10%) patients with MDS and AIRD also had rare, deleterious germline mutations in FA pathway genes (BRCA2 V2601M and L2512F) which could suggest either genetic predisposition to both these conditions or compromised DNA repair capability increasing susceptibility to t-MN. Conclusions: In a large multi-institutional cohort of autoimmune rheumatological disorders, 1.3% patients developed persistent cytopenia with 0.3% diagnosed with MDS. This is significantly higher than incidence of MDS in the general population (30-50/100,000). Similarly, 5% MDS patients had AIRD. The mutation profile of MDS patients with AIRD shows higher frequency of IDH1 and SRSF2 mutations. A small proportion of cases also had deleterious rare germline mutations in the DNA repair pathway. Our findings warrant further study and have potential implications for selection of immunosupressive agents for AIRD. Hiwase: Novartis: Research Funding Celgene: Research Funding.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-07-2012
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 11-07-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-01-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2012
DOI: 10.1002/ART.33506
Abstract: To determine whether application of criteria for remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may result in underestimation of foot joint involvement among patients in a clinic setting. RA patients (n = 123) were assessed at baseline and 6 months after commencement of a response-driven combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) protocol. Remission was assessed using disease activity measures (the 28-joint Disease Activity Score using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate [DAS28-ESR], Simplified Disease Activity Index [SDAI], and Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI]) as well as Boolean-based criteria for remission (the 1981 American College of Rheumatology [ACR] preliminary criteria and the 2011 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism [EULAR] provisional criteria). The prevalence of foot synovitis and the mean swollen/tender foot joint count in RA patients meeting any of these remission criteria were estimated by hurdle (mixed distribution) regression. In patients who received 6 months of combination DMARD treatment, application of the 1981 ACR criteria and the newly proposed 2011 ACR/EULAR criteria, each utilizing full joint counts (which includes assessment of the feet), classified the least number of patients as being in remission (8-10%), and evidence of foot synovitis was minimal among these patients. In contrast, ongoing foot synovitis was present in a substantial proportion of patients (>20%) meeting the 28-joint count criteria for remission, including the DAS28-ESR, SDAI, CDAI, and 2011 ACR/EULAR criteria (clinical practice setting or clinical trials). Furthermore, applying the 2011 ACR/EULAR composite remission criterion of a SDAI score ≤3.3 to define remission did not adequately capture the resolution of foot synovitis (i.e., residual foot involvement was still detected in a substantial proportion of patients classified as being in remission by this definition). Although the DAS28-ESR, CDAI, and SDAI have been validated for assessment of remission in RA, this study shows that the performance of these 3 disease activity measures, which do not provide a direct assessment of the foot, in detecting foot synovitis is poor, in contrast to that of the 1981 ACR and 2011 ACR/EULAR remission criteria utilizing full joint counts. Thus, patients may be at risk of ongoing damage if treatment decisions are made solely on the basis of criteria that omit foot joint assessment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-09-2014
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 27-09-2022
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 14-03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJCP.12785
Abstract: While the introduction of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy has been an important advance in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the potential for increased toxicity due to use of concurrent drugs could adversely affect patient reported outcomes (PROs). The objective was to determine whether the cessation of therapy due to toxicity affects long-term improvement in PROs in patients treated according to T2T strategy. A total of 149 patients from an inception cohort of early RA were included. The occurrence and severity of toxicity were monitored at each visit over 3 years. PROs studied were function (measured using health assessment questionnaire) pain, fatigue and patient global assessment (PtGA) all assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale helplessness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). For each PRO, effect of drug withdrawal was measured by comparing mean change in PROs among patients with no/temporary vs. permanent withdrawal. In addition, effects of frequency of drug withdrawals, weeks to withdrawal and number of drugs withdrawn were analysed using linear regression. After 3 years, 56 (37.4%) patients ceased at least one drug permanently due to toxicity. Patients with no/temporary withdrawal (n = 93) achieved significantly greater improvement in function (mean change = -0.54 vs. -0.31, p = 0.033), pain (mean change = -39.82 vs. -5.02, p = 0.018), fatigue (mean change = -29.14 vs. -14.76, p = 0.015) and PtGA (mean change = -29.64 vs. -17.00, p = 0.018) compared with their counterparts. Higher frequency of withdrawals was associated with lesser improvements in function, pain, fatigue and PtGA, while the number of drugs withdrawn and the weeks to withdrawal had lesser effects. However, the cessation of the drugs due to their toxicity did not have a significant association with HRQoL and helplessness. Improvements in function, pain, fatigue and PtGA at 3 years were diminished for patients who ceased drugs due to toxicity while broader measures of HRQoL were not affected.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: The Journal of Rheumatology
Date: 15-01-2019
Abstract: The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) synovial tissue biopsy (STB) working group initiated an international effort to standardize STB analyses, define consensual items to inform treatment choices, and predict responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). (1) A Delphi survey to determine items for STB analyses. (2) A multicenter retrospective study of STB data in patients with RA posttreatment with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The Delphi survey identified 18 STB analyses items. Consensus on histological markers was achieved in the OMERACT 2018 SIG. Six markers were identified for examination in a multicenter study designed to define an OMERACT-endorsed set of STB markers to predict responses to treatment.
Publisher: Medycyna Praktyczna
Date: 21-12-2017
DOI: 10.20452/PAMW.4172
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 04-10-2022
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 09-06-2015
Abstract: Are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) associated with better outcomes than cyclooxygenase inhibitors, glucocorticoids, IL-1 inhibitors or placebo in the treatment of acute gout? NSAIDs are not significantly associated with a difference in pain reduction compared with cyclooxygenase inhibitors and glucocorticoids for treating acute gout. However, NSAIDs are associated with higher rates of adverse events and higher rates of withdrawal due to adverse events compared with cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 18-07-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-08-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-08-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-10-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1843.2008.01395.X
Abstract: Achalasia cardia is a motility disorder of the oesophagus characterized by aperistalsis of the oesophageal body and incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. It usually presents with dysphagia, regurgitation and heartburn. It may have various respiratory manifestations. Rarely, it may be complicated by acute airway compromise causing stridor. This case report presents an elderly woman with massive dilatation of the oesophagus secondary to achalasia, who presented with a short history of heartburn and rapid deterioration of her respiratory status due to tracheal compromise and stridor as a result of achalasia. The various hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of this rare complication are described.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
Date: 2014
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-11-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2021
DOI: 10.1002/ACR.24236
Abstract: Leflunomide is a commonly used disease‐modifying drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its effects are mediated via inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) by its active metabolite teriflunomide, and the pharmacokinetics of teriflunomide are highly variable. Our objective was to examine the association between the DHODH haplotype and plasma teriflunomide concentration with response to leflunomide in patients with RA where leflunomide was added to an existing disease‐modifying drug regimen after failure to achieve an adequate response with conventional triple therapy. Patients with RA who were taking, or were about to initiate, leflunomide were included. Participant characteristics, including the DHODH haplotype, were determined. Up to 5 plasma s les were collected after leflunomide was initiated for assays of total and free teriflunomide concentration. Disease activity was determined via the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The association between DAS28 scores and patient covariates was determined by linear mixed‐effects modeling. A total of 67 patients were included in the study. The DAS28 score after initiation of leflunomide was associated with the baseline DAS28 score (β = 0.70, P 0.001) and was higher in those who carried the DHODH haplotype 2 (β = 0.56. P = 0.01) and did not carry the shared epitope (β = 0.56, P = 0.013). As total and free plasma teriflunomide concentration increased, the DAS28 score was significantly lower ( P 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). When considering threshold concentrations, teriflunomide concentrations mg/liter were associated with a DAS28 score that was 0.33 lower, and when free teriflunomide concentration was µg/liter, the DAS28 score was 0.32 lower. Teriflunomide concentration and carriage of the DHODH haplotype 2 are associated with response to leflunomide in patients with RA, and a total plasma teriflunomide concentration of at least 16 mg/liter is needed to maximize the likelihood of response.
Publisher: The American Association of Immunologists
Date: 06-2017
Abstract: The inflammatory CD40–CD40L pathway is implicated in various autoimmune diseases, but the activity status of this pathway in various stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression is unknown. In this study, we used gene signatures of CD40L stimulation derived from human immature dendritic cells and naive B cells to assess the expression of CD40-downstream genes in synovial tissues from anti-citrullinated protein Ab–positive arthralgia, undifferentiated arthritis (UA), early RA, and established RA cohorts in comparison with healthy donors. Interestingly, the expression of CD40LG and active full-length CD40 was increased in the disease tissues, whereas that of a dominant-negative CD40 isoform was decreased. Gene set variation analysis revealed that CD40L-responsive genes in immature dendritic cells and naive B cells were significantly enriched in synovial tissues from UA, early RA, and established RA patients. Additionally, CD40L-induced naive B cell genes were also significantly enriched in synovial tissues from arthralgia patients. In our efforts to characterize downstream mediators of CD40L signaling, we have identified GPR120 and KDM6B as novel components of the pathway. In conclusion, our data suggest that therapeutic CD40–CD40L blocking agents may prove efficacious not only in early and established RA, but also in inhibiting the progression of the disease from arthralgia or UA to RA.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-05-2018
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 17-10-2012
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 07-06-2023
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-3001427/V1
Abstract: New-onset HLA-DR-associated anti-citrullinated protein autoantibody (ACPA) + rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue (ST) contains highly-expanded TCR-αβ clonotypes, some viral-antigen-reactive. However, it is unknown how viral-specific T-cells sustain ACPA + RA. We studied paired peripheral blood (PB) and ST TCR repertoires in drug-naïve ACPA + HLA-DRB1*04:01 + diffuse-myeloid RA ST pathology. To model effects of viral infection, we induced ovalbumin antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) in mice with latent murine-cytomegalovirus or recovered from acute lymphocytic-choriomeningitis virus. We show that most clonally-expanded CD8 + T cells had polyfunctional TNF + IFNγ + cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) signatures. Transcriptomic profiles of ST CD4 + T-cell clonotypes were Th2-like and IL-6-signaled central memory-like. CMV-specific tetramers confirmed in-silico prediction of viral-epitope recognition by CTL. Perivascular GZMB + CD8 + T cells co-localized with CD4 + T-cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts and IL-6. After viral infection, AIA severity increased with enhanced viral and ovalbumin-specific TNF + IFN-γ + T-cell cytokines, suggesting that in the diffuse-myeloid rheumatoid-synovial perivascular niche, polyfunctional bystander-CTL reinforce myeloid- and CD4 + T-cell activation.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 05-06-2019
DOI: 10.1111/IJCP.13375
Abstract: Identification of key determinants of medication adherence may assist with designing interventions to improve this important parameter. The aim of the study was to determine the rate and predictors of self-reported medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over one-year follow-up. Socio-demographic, disease, therapy and patient-related factors were obtained from a longitudinal observational cohort of RA patients between May 2014 and June 2016. Medication adherence was measured using self-reported Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Mixed-effects modelling was used to investigate the relationship between adherence and potential predictors. Of 185 patients invited, 110 were included in the study. The median level of adherence was 71%-74% during the study period. Around 27%-30% of patients achieved > 80% adherence, while roughly one-fifth reported a CQR score within the lower quartile (CQR < 63%). After adjustment for potential confounders, increased age (β = 0.19, P = 0.010), higher self-efficacy (β = 0.89, P = 0.039) and higher medication necessity belief (β = 1.12, P < 0.0001) were associated with better self-reported adherence. We found a moderate level of self-reported adherence over time and significant association with age, self-efficacy and medication necessity belief. The modifiable predictors of adherence found in this study can be used as a potential target for adherence-improving interventions.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-02-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-09-2013
DOI: 10.1136/ANNRHEUMDIS-2013-204145
Abstract: The effects of fish oil (FO) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been examined in the context of contemporary treatment of early RA. This study examined the effects of high versus low dose FO in early RA employing a ‘treat-to-target’ protocol of combination disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients with RA months’ duration and who were DMARD-naïve were enrolled and randomised 2:1 to FO at a high dose or low dose (for masking). These groups, designated FO and control, were given 5.5 or 0.4 g/day, respectively, of the omega-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid. All patients received methotrexate (MTX), sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine, and DMARD doses were adjusted according to an algorithm taking disease activity and toxicity into account. DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) and remission were assessed three monthly. The primary outcome measure was failure of triple DMARD therapy. In the FO group, failure of triple DMARD therapy was lower (HR=0.28 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.63 p=0.002) unadjusted and 0.24 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.54 p=0.0006) following adjustment for smoking history, shared epitope and baseline anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide. The rate of first American College of Rheumatology (ACR) remission was significantly greater in the FO compared with the control group (HRs=2.17 (95% CI 1.07 to 4.42 p=0.03) unadjusted and 2.09 (95% CI 1.02 to 4.30 p=0.04) adjusted). There were no differences between groups in MTX dose, DAS28 or mHAQ scores, or adverse events. FO was associated with benefits additional to those achieved by combination ‘treat-to-target’ DMARDs with similar MTX use. These included reduced triple DMARD failure and a higher rate of ACR remission.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-09-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-12-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1186/AR4317
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-10-2016
DOI: 10.1002/ACR.22887
Abstract: To determine whether foot synovitis is associated with adverse radiographic and functional outcomes after 3 years in an inception rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort receiving treat-to-target combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy. Disease activity was assessed in early RA patients (n = 266) using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Radiographic outcomes were assessed with annual hand and feet radiographs and quality of life with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The prevalence of remission and foot synovitis was calculated using marginal binomial generalized estimating equations, transition between remission and nonremission states by a multistate Markov model, and changes in radiographic scores by a negative binomial mixed regression log-link model. Population-matched SF-36 data were analyzed by mixed-effects linear regression. Disease activity scores that omit foot joints were modest in their ability to capture foot synovitis. Despite the relative stringency of the SDAI and CDAI for remission, 25-36% of patients in remission had foot synovitis. In patients in remission, foot synovitis predicted transition from remission into relapse by up to 2-fold. The sustainability of remission markedly influenced the progression of erosion scores (P = 0.006). After adjusting for disease activity, foot synovitis was associated with worse SF-36 physical functioning scores (P = 0.025). Disease activity measures that omit foot joints capture foot synovitis poorly. When it is used to define remission, foot synovitis is found in a substantial proportion of patients, which predicts relapse and worse physical function. Foot synovitis influences the sustainability of remission, which in turn markedly influences radiographic progression. Regardless of remission status, persistent foot synovitis should prompt therapy escalation in order to improve long-term outcomes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S10753-017-0597-2
Abstract: Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a co-stimulatory receptor in osteoclastogenesis. Synovial tissues from active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients express higher levels of OSCAR compared with osteoarthritic and normal patients however, the comparison of OSCAR levels in different regions of active RA synovium has not been reported. The regulation of OSCAR by TNF-α and receptor activator of NF kappa β ligand (RANKL) in pre-osteoclasts/osteoclasts in vitro is unclear. OSCAR and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression levels did not differ between the cartilage pannus junction (CPJ) and non-CPJ regions in active RA. We demonstrate a similar pattern of OSCAR expression in the CPJ and non-CPJ synovial tissue from patients with active RA. OSCAR was associated with mononuclear cells in both the lining and sub-lining and endothelial cells (von Willebrand factor positive). Pre-osteoclasts (TRAP-positive cells) were present in the lining and sub-lining of both regions. OSCAR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and release by pre-oscteoclasts/osteoclasts was modulated by RANKL with/without TNF-α in vitro. Osteoclast resorption on dentine slices was significantly greater with TNF-α pre-treatment and RANKL (10 ng/ml) than RANKL 10 or 50 ng/ml alone or RANKL 10 ng/ml with TNF-α given from day 3 post-RANKL. The lower levels of OSCAR mRNA expression corresponded with high osteoclast activity levels.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2202
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-12-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-01-2022
DOI: 10.3390/JCM11030535
Abstract: Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder which targets the lacrimal and salivary glands, resulting in glandular dysfunction. Currently, the immune drivers of SjS remain poorly understood and peripheral biomarkers of disease are lacking. The present study therefore sought to investigate the immune cell constituents of the SjS peripheral blood, and to assess the role of the BTLA/HVEM/CD160 co-stimulatory network by characterizing expression within the periphery. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood of n = 10 patients with SjS and n = 10 age- and sex-matched healthy control donors. Cells were ided and stained with three panels of antibodies, allowing assessment of T, B, and myeloid cell subsets, and measurement of BTLA, HVEM, and CD160 surface expression by flow cytometry. We identified distinct alterations in proportions of peripheral T, B, and myeloid cell types in SjS compared with healthy controls. Expression of BTLA/CD160/HVEM and frequency of BTLA/CD160/HVEM-expressing cells were significantly altered in peripheral SjS lymphocytes. The proportion of T cells co-expressing BTLA/HVEM and CD160/HVEM were significantly reduced in SjS. We found decreased BTLA and HVEM levels on peripheral B and T cells of SjS patients, and decreased BTLA/HVEM and CD160/HVEM co-expression, demonstrating dysregulation of the BTLA/HVEM axis in the peripheral blood of SjS patients. These results indicate the potential of targeting the BTLA-HVEM axis for the treatment of SjS.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-05-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ACR2.11132
Abstract: We aimed to evaluate the associations between response to algorithm‐directed treat‐to‐target conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug therapy and potentially modifiable lifestyle factors, including dietary fish oil supplementation, body mass index (BMI), and smoking history in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inception cohort. Patients with RA with a duration of less than 12 months were reviewed every 3 to 6 weeks to adjust therapy according to disease response. All patients received advice to take fish oil supplements, and omega‐3 status was measured as plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Lifestyle factors and other variables potentially prognostic for 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) remission and DAS28 low disease activity (LDA) at the 12‐month visit were included in multivariable logistic regression models. Of 300 participants, 57.7% reached DAS28 LDA, and 43.7% were in DAS28 remission at 1 year. Increase in plasma EPA was associated with an increase in the odds of being in LDA (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.27 P 0.0001) and remission (adjusted OR = 1.21 P 0.001). There was some evidence that the effect of BMI on LDA might be modified by smoking history. An increase in BMI was associated with a decrease in the odds of being in LDA in current and former smokers but had no impact on LDA in patients who had never smoked. There were no meaningful associations between BMI or smoking history and remission. Omega‐3 status, BMI, and smoking history are potential predictors of outcome in early RA. The possibility of an effect modification by smoking on the predictive value of BMI merits further investigation.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: The Journal of Rheumatology
Date: 09-2014
Abstract: To determine the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids (GC), colchicine, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, and paracetamol to treat acute gout. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to September 2011. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) or quasi-RCT in adults with acute gout that compared GC, colchicine, NSAID, IL-1 inhibitors, and paracetamol to no treatment, placebo, another intervention, or combination therapy were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Primary endpoints were pain and adverse events. Data were pooled where appropriate. Twenty-six trials evaluating GC (N = 5), NSAID (N = 21), colchicine (N = 2), and canakinumab (N = 1) were included. No RCT assessed paracetamol or intraarticular (IA) GC. No RCT compared systemic GC with placebo. Moderate quality evidence (3 trials) concluded that systemic GC were as effective as NSAID but safer. Low quality evidence (1 trial) showed that both high- and low-dose colchicine were more effective than placebo, and low-dose colchicine was no different to placebo with respect to safety but safer than high-dose colchicine. Low quality evidence (1 trial) showed no difference between NSAID and placebo with regard to pain or inflammation. No NSAID was superior to another. Moderate quality evidence (1 trial) found that 150 mg canakinumab was more effective than a single dose of intramuscular GC (40 mg triamcinolone) and equally safe. GC, NSAID, low-dose colchicine, and canakinumab all effectively treat acute gout. There was insufficient evidence to rank them. Systemic GC appeared safer than NSAID and lower-dose colchicine was safer than higher-dose colchicine.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2018
DOI: 10.1002/ART.40433
Abstract: To evaluate whether the choice of synovial biopsy technique (arthroscopy, blind needle [BN] biopsy, ultrasound [US]-guided portal and forceps [P&F], or US-guided needle biopsy [NB]) translates to significant variation in synovial tissue quality and quantity, with the aim of informing recommendations for the choice of synovial s ling technique within clinical trials. In total, 159 procedures from 5 academic rheumatology centers were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained, paraffin-embedded synovial tissue sections from patients with inflammatory arthritis were assessed in order to determine the proportion of graded synovial fragments, total area of graded synovial tissue, and synovitis score per procedure. RNA quantity (μg of RNA) and quality (RNA integrity number) per procedure were also assessed in the synovial s les. In this study, 84 of the 159 procedures performed on large joints at baseline (25 arthroscopic, 35 US-P&F, 11 US-NB, and 13 BN biopsies), 41 of the 159 procedures performed on small joints at baseline (11 US-P&F, 20 US-NB, and 10 BN biopsies), and 34 sequential biopsy procedures were evaluated. Compared to all other techniques evaluated in the small and large joints, fewer small joint BN biopsies and a significantly lower proportion of large joint BN biopsies yielded graded synovial tissue. No significant difference in either the proportion of graded tissue s les or total graded synovial tissue area between the US-NB and arthroscopic large joint procedures was demonstrated. Among the sequential biopsy procedures evaluated (small joint US-NB, large joint arthroscopy, US-P&F biopsy, and BN biopsy), no significant difference in the proportion of graded synovial tissue or total graded synovial tissue area was demonstrated. All procedures yielded RNA of significant quality and quantity for subsequent transcriptomic analysis. These data support the integration of US-guided methods along with arthroscopic biopsy for clinical trial protocols in which sequential s ling of synovium from the large and small joints is needed for both histologic and molecular analysis. BN biopsy may be considered if graded synovial tissue is not required for subsequent analyses.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-10-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ART.41446
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1136/RMDOPEN-2022-002563
Abstract: Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-expressing T cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. A subset of CXCR5 − T cells, termed T peripheral helper (Tph) cells, which drive B cell differentiation, have been identified in ectopic lymphoid structures in established rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue. Here, we aimed to characterise these in treatment-naïve, early rheumatoid arthritis to determine whether these cells accumulate prior to fully established disease. Fresh dissociated tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) suspensions were stained with Zombie UV, followed by anti-CD45RO, PD-1, CD3, ICOS, CD8, CD4, CD20, CXCR5, TIGIT and CD38 antibodies prior to analysis. For histology, rheumatoid arthritis synovial sections were prepared for Opal multispectral immunofluorescence with anti-CD45RO, CD20, PD-1 and CXCR5 antibodies. Images were acquired on the Perkin Elmer Vectra V.3.0 imaging system and analysed using InForm Advanced Image Analysis software. Flow cytometry revealed T cell infiltration in the rheumatoid arthritis synovium with differential expression of PD-1, CD45RO, ICOS, TIGIT and CD38. We observed a higher frequency of PD1 hi CXCR5 − Tph in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue and PBMCs versus controls, and no significant difference in T follicular helper cell frequency. Microscopy identified a 10-fold increase of Tph cells in early rheumatoid arthritis synovial follicular and diffuse regions, and identified Tph adjacent to germinal centre B cells. These data demonstrate that PD-1 hi Tph cells are present in early rheumatoid arthritis, but not osteoarthritis synovium, and therefore may provide a target for treatment of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
Publisher: The Journal of Rheumatology
Date: 15-07-2016
Abstract: To investigate the association between adherence to treat-to-target (T2T) protocol and disease activity, functional outcomes, and radiographic outcomes in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data from a longitudinal cohort of patients with early RA were used. Adherence was determined at each followup visit over 3 years according to predefined criteria. The primary endpoint was remission according to Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) criteria. Functional and radiographic outcomes measured by modified Health Assessment Questionnaire and modified total Sharp score, respectively, were secondary endpoints. A total of 198 patients with 3078 clinic visits over 3 years were included in this analysis. After adjusting for relevant variables, although there was no significant association between adherence to T2T and remission rate after 1 year, the associations reached significance after 3 years for both DAS28 (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.16–2.50 p = 0.006) and SDAI criteria (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.06–3.56 p = 0.033). After 3 years, adherence was also associated with improvement in physical function (β=0.12, 95% CI 0.06–0.18 p 0.0001). None of the radiographic outcomes were associated with adherence after either 1 or 3 years, although there was a trend for higher adherence to be associated with less radiographic progression at the end of the study (p = 0.061). Increased adherence to T2T was associated with better longterm disease activity and functional outcomes, which suggests that the benefit of a T2T protocol may be enhanced by ensuring adequate adherence.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.14463
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 04-03-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FIMMU.2022.840510
Abstract: The phagocytosis-promoting complement receptor, Complement Receptor Immunoglobulin (CRIg), is exclusively expressed on macrophages. It has been demonstrated that expression in macrophages could be modulated by inflammatory mediators, including cytokines. This raised the possibility that a major phagocyte, the neutrophil, may also express CRIg following activation with inflammatory mediators. Here we show that resting peripheral blood neutrophil lysates subjected to protein analysis by Western blot revealed a 35 kDa CRIg isoform, consistent with the expression of CRIg mRNA by RT-PCR. By flow cytometry, CRIg was detected intracellularly and in very minor amounts on the cell surface. Interestingly, expression on the cell surface was significantly increased to functional levels after activation with inflammatory mediators/neutrophil activators N-Formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), bacterial lipopolysaccharide, leukotriene B4 and phorbol myristate acetate. The increase in expression required p38 MAP kinase and protein kinase C activation, as well as intracellular calcium. Neutrophils which were defective in actin microfilament reorganization due to a mutation in ARPC1B or inhibition of its upstream regulator, Rac2 lose their ability to upregulate CRIg expression. Inhibition of another small GTPase, Rab27a, with pharmacological inhibitors prevented the increase in CRIg expression, suggesting a requirement for the actin cytoskeleton and exocytosis. Engagement of CRIg on TNF-primed neutrophils with an anti-CRIg monoclonal antibody increased the release of superoxide and promoted the activation of p38 but not ERK1/ERK2 or JNK MAP kinases. The TNF-induced increase in killing of Staphylococcus aureus was blocked by the anti-CRIg antibody. Adding to the anti-microbial role of CRIg, it was found that GM-CSF priming lead to the release of neutrophil extracellular traps. Interestingly in contrast to the above mediators the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 caused a decrease in basal expression and GM-CSF induced increase in CRIg expression. The data demonstrate that neutrophils also express CRIg which is regulated by inflammatory mediators and cytokines. The findings show that the neutrophil antimicrobial function involving CRIg requires priming as a means of arming the cell strategically with microbial invasion of tissues and the bloodstream.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLIM.2019.108253
Abstract: Meteorin-like(IL-41), is a novel cytokine that is thought to be immunoregulatory and is highly expressed in psoriatic skin. We investigated IL-41 protein expression in synovial tissue in RA(Rheumatoid Arthritis), PsA(Psoriatic Arthritis) and OA(Osteoarthritis) patients and evaluated IL-41 production from healthy enthesis s les, as the enthesis represent the primary inflammatory site in PsA. IL-41 was measured in synovial fluid from PsA, RA and OA patients. Synovial biopsies were stained for IL-41 by immunohistochemistry. IL-41 was highly expressed in the synovial fluid and synovial tissue of PsA patients (median = 7722 pg/ml) when compared to OA patients (median = 5044 pg/ml). We found that entheseal stromal cells were the dominant producer of IL-41 from the enthesis. Moreover, stromal derived IL-41, could be further induced by IL-17A/F and TNF. In conclusion, IL-41 is expressed in PsA synovium and is present and inducible at the enthesis. Its functional effect in psoriatic inflammation remains to be fully elucidated.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-06-2023
DOI: 10.1093/RHEUMATOLOGY/KEAC357
Abstract: Sex is well known to influence risk, severity and treatment outcomes of RA, although the underlying causes are uncertain. The aim of this research was to examine whether factors influencing female sex hormones (reproductive status and exogenous sex hormone use) are associated with the efficacy of DMARDs. In idual participant data were pooled from five phase 3 clinical trials where RA patients were treated with tocilizumab and/or conventional synthetic DMARDs. The primary outcome was the time to first remission according to the Simplified Disease Activity Index. The relationship between menopausal status or use of exogenous sex hormones and the time of first remission was assessed via Cox proportional analysis. Analysed data included sex, baseline menopausal status (premenopausal, perimenopausal, early postmenopausal and postmenopausal), participant age, body mass index, race, number of previous DMARDs and baseline disease activity. Analysis included 4474 female patients, of whom 2817 (62.9%) were postmenopausal, 202 (4.5%) were early postmenopausal, 1021 (22.8%) were premenopausal and 414 (9.2%) were perimenopausal. Of these, 221 (7.8%), 13 (6.4%), 255 (25%) and 47 (11.4%), respectively, were taking exogenous sex hormones. In the pooled analysis, perimenopausal status was associated with reduced remission compared with premenopausal status [adjusted HR 0.78 (95% CI 0.61, 0.99)]. Sex hormone use was associated with significantly higher remission [adjusted HR 1.20 (95% CI 1.01, 1.43)]. Perimenopausal women were less likely to achieve remission compared with premenopausal RA patients. The use of exogenous sex hormones appeared to be associated with more frequent remission in female RA patients, particularly those who were perimenopausal and early postmenopausal, although further research is required to confirm and identify the drivers for this observation and how it interacts with menopausal status.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2010
Publisher: The Journal of Rheumatology
Date: 09-2014
Abstract: To systematically review available literature on treatment of hyperuricemia (HU) as a measure of preventing gouty arthritis, renal disease, or cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients. A systematic literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, clinical trials registries of the World Health Organization and the US National Institutes of Health, and abstracts from American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism meetings, for interventional studies involving adults with no history of gouty arthritis, who were treated for HU. Outcomes of interest included gouty arthritis, renal disease (i.e., renal insufficiency, urate nephropathy, nephrolithiasis), and cardiovascular events (i.e., myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischemic stroke). A total of 3 studies met the inclusion criteria, 2 studies assessing the prevention of renal disease and 1 study evaluating the potential for delaying progression of preexisting renal disease. In hyperuricemic patients without renal disease, treatment resulted in increased estimated glomerular filtration rate. In hyperuricemic patients with preexisting renal disease, treatment resulted in no significant elevation of serum creatinine over a 1-year followup. However, differences in renal function between the treatment and no-treatment groups were not statistically significant in any of the identified studies. Very limited data are available on the treatment of HU in asymptomatic patients. There is currently insufficient empiric evidence to suggest that lowering serum uric acid level in asymptomatic patients with HU can prevent gouty arthritis, renal disease, or cardiovascular events.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 27-09-2021
Abstract: Aims: To determine real-life biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD) retention rates in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), explore reasons for switching and to compare results to previously published data. Methods: Time-to-event analysis for mean treatment duration (estimated as the Restricted Mean Survival Time), b/tsDMARD failure, and b/tsDMARDs switching was performed for 230 patients ( n = 147 RA, 46 PsA, 37 AS) who commenced their first b/tsDMARD between 2008 and 2018. Patients were managed in a dedicated “biologics” clinic in a tertiary hospital the choice of b/tsDMARD was clinician driven based on medical factors and patient preferences. The effect of covariates on switching risk was analysed by a conditional risk-set Cox proportional-hazards model. Treatment retention data was compared to a historical analysis (2002–2008). Results: The proportions remaining on treatment (retention) were similar, throughout follow-up, for the first, second and third b/tsDMARDs across all patients ( p = 0.46). When compared to RA patients, the risk of b/tsDMARD failure was halved in PsA patients [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.50], but no different in AS patients (HR = 1.0). The respective restricted mean (95%CI) treatment durations, estimated at 5 years of follow-up, were 3.1 (2.9, 3.4), 4.1 (3.7, 4.6), and 3.3 (2.8, 3.9) years, for RA, PsA, and AS, respectively. Age, gender, disease duration, smoking status and the use of concomitant csDMARDS were not associated with the risk of bDMARD failure. The most common reasons for switching in the first and subsequent years were secondary ( n = 62) and primary ( n = 35) failure. Comparison with historical data indicated no substantive differences in switching of the first biologic for RA and PsA. Conclusion: Similar retention rates of the second and third compared to the first b/tsDMARD in RA, PsA, and AS support a strategy of differential b/tsDMARDs use informed by patient presentation. Despite greater availability of b/tsDMARDs with differing mechanisms of action, retention rates of the first b/tsDMARD remain similar to previous years.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-02-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-023-29971-5
Abstract: Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-expressing T cells are expanded in in iduals with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known about their functional role in the pathogenesis of early RA. To address this, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of circulating CD4 + and CD8 + PD-1 + lymphocytes from patients with early RA (n = 5) using fluorescence activated cell sorting in conjunction with total RNA sequencing. Additionally, we assessed for alterations in CD4 + PD-1 + gene signatures in previously published synovial tissue (ST) biopsy data (n = 19) (GSE89408, GSE97165) before and after six-months of triple disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (tDMARD) treatment. Comparisons of gene signatures between CD4 + PD-1 + vs. PD-1 − cells identified significant upregulation of genes including CXCL13 and MAF , and in pathways including Th1 and Th2, cross talk between dendritic cells and NK cells, B cell development and antigen presentation. Gene signatures from early RA ST before and after six-month tDMARD treatment revealed downregulation of the CD4 + PD-1 + signatures following treatment, identifying a mechanism through which tDMARDs exert their effect by influencing T cell populations. Furthermore, we identify factors associated with B cell help that are enhanced in the ST compared with PBMCs, highlighting their importance in driving synovial inflammation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-04-2013
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2020
Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with rheumatic and musculoskeletal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in 5%–20% of patients. Currently, patients refractory to corticosteroids and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARD) are treated with biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) targeting tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6, although without a clear biological rationale. Synovial tissue (ST) biopsy presents a valuable opportunity to investigate irAE pathogenesis and appropriately stratify bDMARD use in refractory irAE patients. We provide the first report of comparative, parallel ST and synovial fluid (SF) analyses of severe, cDMARD-refractory, seronegative polyarthritis, classified as a grade 3 irAE occurring in response to nivolumab treatment for metastatic squamous cell lung cancer, in comparison with ST and SF from patients with untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated immunohistochemical labeling of ST cytokine expression as a biological rationale for selecting therapy. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytes from ST, SF and blood collected before and after synovial biopsy-guided therapy, in comparison with RA, were evaluated for insights into the immunopathogenesis of irAE. Immunolabeling of ST demonstrated an excess of TNFα cytokine expression. Subsequent treatment with infliximab resulted in resolution of inflammatory symptoms and a significant reduction in C reactive protein levels. Flow cytometric analysis of synovial infiltrates indicated absence of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) receptor positivity despite cessation of nivolumab approximately 200 days prior to the analyzes. A deeper understanding of the immunopathogenetic basis of immune activation in irAEs is required in order to select therapy that is likely to be the most effective. This is the first report investigating parallel blood, ST and SF in ICI-induced severe rheumatic irAE. Use of a bDMARD directed by the dominant inflammatory cytokine achieved resolution of synovitis while maintaining cancer remission.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-02-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00296-017-3655-Z
Abstract: Medication adherence is believed to be a major contributor to treatment outcomes yet studies quantifying this relationship as rare in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To determine the association of adherence to DMARD therapy with treatment outcomes among new and existing DMARD users over 2 years. Relevant clinical parameters were obtained from a longitudinal cohort of RA patients, most of who were treated with combination therapy. Patients were classified as adherent if the proportion of days covered for each DMARD was ≥80%. Outcome measures were the change in the disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), simplified disease activity index (SDAI), modified health assessment questionnaires (mHAQ) and proportion of patients who achieved response criteria. An inverse propensity-score weighting method was used to estimate the association of adherence with each outcome. Of 194 patients invited, a total of 111 patients (new = 45 and existing = 66 DMARD users) met study eligibility. DMARD-naive patients demonstrated relatively higher rates of adherence compared to existing users. After controlling for confounding variables, adherence was significantly associated with reduction in DAS28 (β = -1.5, 95% CI of β = - 2.17 to -0.83, p < 0.0001), SDAI (β = -9.44, 95% CI of β = -15.53 to -3.35, p = 0.002) and mHAQ (β = -0.269, 95% CI of β, -0.462 to -0.077, p = 0.017) over 2 years among new patients and adherent patients were more likely to achieve most response criteria compared to non-adherent patients. Such associations were not replicated among existing DMARD users. Adherence to combination DMARD therapy was associated with improvements in disease activity and functional outcomes in the first 2 years of therapy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-12-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13075-022-02972-X
Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that predominantly affects the synovial joints, causing joint destruction, pain, and disability. Historically, the standard for measuring the long-term efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been the assessment of plain radiographs with scoring techniques that quantify joint damage. However, with significant improvements in therapy, current radiographic scoring systems may no longer be fit for purpose for the milder spectrum of disease seen today. We argue that artificial intelligence is an apt solution to further improve upon radiographic scoring, as it can readily learn to recognize subtle patterns in imaging data to not only improve efficiency, but can also increase the sensitivity to variation in mild disease. Current work in the area demonstrates the feasibility of automating scoring but is yet to take full advantage of the strengths of artificial intelligence. By fully leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, faster and more sensitive scoring could enable the ongoing development of effective treatments for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Mihir D Wechalekar.