Search

Objectives The assessment of physical function is fundamental in the management of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). We aimed to investigate the physical function of patients with IIMs compared with those with non-IIM autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) utilizing Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) data obtained in the COVAD study, an international self-reported e-survey assessing the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in AIRDs. Methods Demographics, AIRD diagnosis, disease activity, and PROMIS PF short form-10a data were extracted from the COVAD database. PROMIS PF-10a scores were compared between disease categories and stratified by disease activity. Factors affecting PROMIS PF-10a scores other than disease activity were identified by multivariable regression analysis in patients with inactive disease. Results A total of 1057 IIM patients, 3635 non-IIM AIRD patients and 3981 healthy controls (HCs) responded to the COVAD e-survey from April to August 2021. Using a binomial regression model, the predicted mean of PROMIS PF-10a scores was significantly lower in IIM patients compared with non-IIM AIRD patients or HCs [36.3 (95% CI 35.5, 37.1) vs 41.3 (95% CI 40.2, 42.5) vs 46.2 (95% CI 45.8, 46.6), P Conclusion Physical function is significantly impaired in IIMs compared with non-IIM AIRDs or HCs, even in patients with inactive disease. Our study highlights a critical need for better strategies to minimize functional disability in patients with IIMs.

Objectives To explore current management practices for PMR by general practitioners (GPs) and rheumatologists including implications for clinical trial recruitment. Methods An English language questionnaire was constructed by a working group of rheumatologists and GPs from six countries. The questionnaire focused on: 1: Respondent characteristics; 2: Referral practices; 3: Treatment with glucocorticoids; 4: Diagnostics; 5: Comorbidities; and 6: Barriers to research. The questionnaire was distributed to rheumatologists and GPs worldwide via members of the International PMR/Giant Cell Arteritis Study Group. Results In total, 394 GPs and 937 rheumatologists responded to the survey. GPs referred a median of 25% of their suspected PMR patients for diagnosis and 50% of these were returned to their GP for management. In general, 39% of rheumatologists evaluated patients with suspected PMR >2 weeks after referral, and a median of 50% of patients had started prednisolone before rheumatologist evaluation. Direct comparison of initial treatment showed that the percentage prescribing >25 mg prednisolone daily for patients was 30% for GPs and 12% for rheumatologists. Diagnostic imaging was rarely used. More than half (56%) of rheumatologists experienced difficulties recruiting people with PMR to clinical trials. Conclusion This large international survey indicates that a large proportion of people with PMR are not referred for diagnosis, and that the proportion of treatment-naive patients declined with increasing time from referral to assessment. Strategies are needed to change referral and management of people with PMR, to improve clinical practice and facilitate recruitment to clinical trials.

COVID-19; Registries; Vaccination COVID-19; Registros; Vacunación COVID-19; Registres; Vacunació Vaccine hesitancy is considered a major barrier to achieving herd immunity against COVID-19. While multiple alternative and synergistic approaches including heterologous vaccination, booster doses, and antiviral drugs have been developed, equitable vaccine uptake remains the foremost strategy to manage pandemic. Although none of the currently approved vaccines are live-attenuated, several reports of disease flares, waning protection, and acute-onset syndromes have emerged as short-term adverse events after vaccination. Hence, scientific literature falls short when discussing potential long-term effects in vulnerable cohorts. The COVAD-2 survey follows on from the baseline COVAD-1 survey with the aim to collect patient-reported data on the long-term safety and tolerability of COVID-19 vaccines in immune modulation. The e-survey has been extensively pilot-tested and validated with translations into multiple languages. Anticipated results will help improve vaccination efforts and reduce the imminent risks of COVID-19 infection, especially in understudied vulnerable groups. HC is supported by the National Institution for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre Funding Scheme. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health.

Objectives The COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases (COVAD) study aimed to assess short-term COVID-19 vaccination-related adverse events (AEs) in RA patients. Methods An online self-reported questionnaire (March–December 2021) was used to capture data related to COVID-19 vaccination-related AEs in RA, other autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) (excluding RA and inflammatory myositis), non-rheumatic autoimmune diseases (nrAIDs) and healthy controls (HCs). Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were performed. Results Of the 9462 complete respondents, 14.2% (n = 1347) had been diagnosed with RA; they had a mean (s.d.) age of 50.7 (13.7) years, 74.2% were women and 49.3% were Caucasian. In total, 76.9% and 4.2% of patients with RA reported minor and major AEs, respectively. Patients with active and inactive RA had similar AE and hospitalization frequencies. Overall, AEs were reported more frequently by BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 recipients and less frequently by BBV152 recipients compared with the rest. Major AE and hospitalization frequencies were similar across recipients of different vaccines. Patients receiving methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine reported fewer minor AEs than those patients not on them. Compared with HCs and patients with other AIRDs, patients with RA reported similar total AEs, overall minor AEs, and hospitalizations. Compared with nrAIDs, patients with RA reported lower frequencies of overall AEs, minor AEs (both odds ratio [OR] = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9), and injection site pain (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.8) with similar major AE and hospitalization frequencies. Conclusion Despite the differences in AE frequency across different COVID-19 vaccines, all were well tolerated in patients with RA and were comparable to HCs, providing reassurance as to the safety of COVID-19 vaccination.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the association between individual-level and country-level socio-economic (SE) factors and health outcomes across SpA phenotypes. Methods Patients with axial SpA (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA) or PsA from the ASAS-perSpA study (in 23 countries) were included. The effect of individual-level (age, gender, education and marital status) and country-level [e.g. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)] SE factors on health outcomes [Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) ≥ 2.1, ASDAS, BASFI, fatigue and the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS-HI)] was assessed in mixed-effects models adjusted for potential confounders. Interactions between SE factors and disease phenotype were tested. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore whether the impact of country-level SE factors on ASDAS was mediated through biologic/targeted synthetic (b/ts) DMARD uptake. Results In total, 4185 patients (61% males, mean age 45) were included (65% axSpA, 25% PsA, 10% pSpA). Female gender [β= 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.23)], lower educational level [β = 0.35 (0.25, 0.45)) and single marital status [β = 0.09 (0.01, 0.17)] were associated with higher ASDAS. Living in lower GDP countries was also associated with higher ASDAS [β = 0.39 (0.16, 0.63)], and 7% of this association was mediated by b/tsDMARD uptake. Higher BASFI was similarly associated with female gender, lower education and living alone, without the effect of country-level SE factors. Female gender and lower educational level were associated with worse ASAS-HI, while more fatigue was associated with female gender and higher country-level SE factors [lower GDP, β = −0.46 (−0.89 to −0.04)]. No differences across disease phenotypes were found. Conclusions Our study shows country-driven variations in health outcomes in SpA, independently influenced by individual-level and country-level SE factors and without differences across disease phenotypes.

Objectives The primary objective was to compare the clinical characteristics of SpA patients with and without root joint disease (RJD+ and RJD–). The secondary objectives were to compare the prevalence of RJD across various SpA subtypes and in different world regions, and to compare the SpA axial severity and SpA burden between RJD+ and RJD–. Methods This is a post hoc analysis of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society PerSpA study (PERipheral involvement in SpondyloArthritis), which included 4465 patients with SpA [axial (axSpA), peripheral (pSpA), PsA, IBD, reactive and juvenile] according to the rheumatologist’s diagnosis. RJD was defined as the ‘ever’ presence of hip or shoulder involvement related to SpA, according to the rheumatologist. Patient characteristics were compared between RJD+ and RJD–. Multivariable stepwise binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with ‘RJD’, ‘hip’ and ‘shoulder’ involvement. Results RJD was significantly associated with the SpA main diagnosis (highest in pSpA), a higher prevalence of HLA-B27 positivity, enthesitis, tender and swollen joints, CRP, conventional synthetic DMARDs, loss of lumbar lordosis and occiput-wall distance >0. RJD was more prevalent in Asia, and occurred in 1503 patients (33.7%), with more hip (24.2%) than shoulder (13.2%) involvement. Hip involvement had a distinct phenotype, similar to axSpA (including younger age at onset, HLA-B27 positivity), whereas shoulder involvement was associated with features of pSpA (including older age at onset). Conclusion RJD+ SpA patients had a distinctive clinical phenotype compared with RJD–. Hip involvement, based on the rheumatologist’s diagnosis, was more prevalent than shoulder involvement and was clinically distinct.

Objectives: The primary objective was to develop an educational video to teach patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) self-assessment of their disease activity. Secondary objectives were to validate the video, identify the challenges in producing it, and the responses to these challenges. Methods: Rheumatologists from 7 Middle Eastern Arab countries (MEAC) discussed unmet needs in the education of patients with RA. They reviewed pre-existing educational audiovisual material and drafted the script for a new video in Arabic. The video was produced in collaboration with a technical team, then validated by patients using a standardized interview. At each step of production, challenges were identified. Results: Twenty-three rheumatologists from MEAC identified unmet needs in patients’ education. A video was produced, explaining the concepts of treat-to-target and showing a patient performing self-assessment using DAS-28. Sixty-two patients were interviewed for validation and found the video to be useful and easy to understand, albeit not replacing the physician’s visit. Most common challenges encountered included acceptance of patient empowerment, agreement on DAS-28 as composite measure, production of a comprehensible written Arabic text, and addressing the population cultural mix. Conclusion: Despite challenges, the video was well accepted among patients and can be used for clinical and research purposes. It is particularly useful in pandemic periods where social distancing is recommended.

Diagnosing peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) remains a significant challenge due to the lack of specific disease biomarkers and the overlap with other SpA subtypes, mainly psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which represents a diagnostic challenge particularly in the absence of skin psoriasis (PsAsine psoriase). This narrative review aimed to compare the epidemiology, genetic susceptibility, pathophysiology, classification criteria, disease phenotype and burden, and therapeutic guidelines between patients diagnosed with pSpA and those with PsAsine psoriase,to determine if the two entities should be considered jointly or distinctly. Globally, pSpA appears to be more inclusive compared with PsAsine psoriase. Areas of similarities include age of onset, number of joints involved and prevalence of axial involvement. However, patients with pSpA have a male gender predominance, a higher prevalence of HLA-B27, enthesitis and involvement of large joints of the lower limbs, whereas patients with PsAsine psoriasehave a higher prevalence HLA-Cw6, dactylitis and involvement of hand distal interphalangeal joints. Therefore, the difference between pSpA and PsAsine psoriasegoes beyond semantics. The few dissimilarities should drive scientific efforts to reach a better characterisation of pSpA as an individual disease. Accordingly, randomised clinical trials should target patients with well-defined pSpA to identify effective therapies in this population.

The management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging worldwide, and the particular challenges shared by North Africa and the Middle East are mainly related to early diagnosis and standardized management. We believe there are several reasons for these challenges, including: (a) limited awareness of the disease manifestations and prevalence in the region among physicians; (b) the concept of nonradiographic axSpA, while accepted with some difficulty by the rheumatology community, may not be well understood by the referring primary care physicians; (c) access to, and training in magnetic resonance imaging varies greatly between countries in the North Africa and Middle East region, and this may have a large impact on early diagnosis; (d) country‐specific treatment guidelines are unavailable; and (e) economic and cultural factors influence patients’ attempts to seek and continue treatment. In this review, we will discuss the prevalence of axSpA in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the challenges to diagnose and treat patients in this region. As rheumatologists practicing in North Africa and the Middle East, we also provide suggestions to assist physicians, other healthcare professionals, and researchers in facilitating early, accurate diagnosis and treatment of axSpA.

Aim To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) on the access to rheumatology care for patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRD) in the Arab countries. Method A web-based cross-sectional survey was designed by the Arab Adult Arthritis Awareness group (AAAA) consisting of 16 rheumatologists representing countries from the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR) and was validated by the ArLAR scientific committee. The survey was disseminated online through social media and patients' association channels between May 8 and May 22, 2020. The steering committee developed recommendations to improve the care of patients with CRD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results A total of 2163 patients were included in the analysis; 72% were female; mean age was 40 years (SD 11.9). The Levant, the Gulf, and North Africa contributed almost equally to the sample. The pandemic had a significant negative impact on rheumatology visits in 82% of cases, access to hydroxychloroquine (47%), and chronic medication persistency (28%). The negative impact on rheumatology visits was associated with female gender, country, medication non-persistency, isolation due to COVID-19, and impact on mental health. Sixty-one patients (2.8%) stated that they had COVID-19, 5% said that a close contact was infected, and 47% were in isolation because of COVID-19. Conclusion The current study highlights the deleterious consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of rheumatology care. Therefore, an action plan, including establishing a telemedicine platform, securing drug availability, and promoting medication persistence through the appropriate communication channels, is strongly recommended.

Resume Le retentissement fonctionnel dans la spondyloarthrite axiale est lie a la progression structurale causee par la maladie, qui contribue ainsi largement a son retentissement global et represente un defi majeur pour la prise en charge. Le diagnostic precoce au tout premier stade du processus inflammatoire permet d’ameliorer le controle et la prise en charge de la maladie. L’histoire naturelle des spondyloarthrites axiales est desormais mieux comprise grâce aux donnees de l’imagerie et du suivi a long terme, mais egalement a l’identification de certains facteurs predictifs de la progression structurale. Les anti-inflammatoires non-steroidiens (AINS) representent le traitement de premiere ligne de la spondyloarthrite axiale, cependant leur impact sur la progression structurale reste tres debattu. Les DMARD (traitements de fond) biologiques, tels que les anti-TNF, ont recemment montre un effet de ralentissement sur l’atteinte radiographique apres plusieurs annees de traitement tandis que les premieres donnees sur les inhibiteurs de l’IL-17 ont ete jugees positives. De nouveaux traitements sont en cours d’evaluation et affichent des resultats encourageants concernant leur effet sur l’evolution de la maladie. Cette revue resume les facteurs predictifs de progression radiographique chez les patients atteints de spondyloarthrite axiale et les donnees probantes sur l’efficacite structurale des traitements disponibles.

Functional disability in axial spondyloarthritis is related to the structural progression caused by the disease, thus largely contributing to its global burden and still representing a major challenge in management. Diagnosis at an early inflammatory stage of the disease is the hallmark for a better disease control and management. The natural history of axial spondyloarthritis is now better understood with imaging studies and long-term follow-up data, with some predictive factors for structural progression being identified. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are still considered as the first line treatment for axial spondyloarthritis, however, their impact on structural progression is conflicting. Recent data on biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have shown significant retardation of radiographic damage after several years of treatment, while first data with interleukin-17 inhibitors were also positive. Novel emerging drugs are being evaluated with promising results on halting disease progression. This review summarizes the predictors of radiographic progression in patients with axial spondyloarthritis as well as the current evidence on the effect of available treatments on structural progression.

Objectives COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe in the healthy population. However, gaps remain in the evidence of their safety in patients with systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (SAIDs). COVID-19 vaccination-related adverse events (AEs) in patients with SAIDs and healthy controls (HC) seven days post-vaccination were assessed in the COVAD study, a patient self-reported cross-sectional survey. Methods The survey was circulated in early 2021 by >110 collaborators (94 countries) to collect SAID details, COVID-19 vaccination details and 7-day vaccine AEs, irrespective of respondent vaccination status. Analysis was performed based on data distribution and variable type. Results Ten thousand nine hundred respondents [median (interquartile range) age 42 (30–55) years, 74% females and 45% Caucasians] were analysed; 5867 patients (54%) with SAIDs were compared with 5033 HCs. Seventy-nine percent had minor and only 3% had major vaccine AEs requiring urgent medical attention (but not hospital admission) overall. Headache [SAIDs = 26%, HCs = 24%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.1 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.3); P = 0.014], abdominal pain [SAIDs = 2.6%, HCs = 1.4%; OR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1, 2.3); P = 0.011], and dizziness [SAIDs = 6%, HCs = 4%; OR = 1.3 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.6); P = 0.011], were slightly more frequent in SAIDs. Overall, major AEs [SAIDs = 4%, HCs = 2%; OR = 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6, 2.2); P Conclusion Vaccination against COVID-19 is safe in SAID patients. SAIDs were at a higher risk of major AEs than HCs, though absolute risk was small. There are small differences in minor AEs between vaccine types in SAID patients.

BackgroundTelehealth use is increasing and will undeniably continue to play a role beyond the COVID-19 era. Best practice guidelines (BPG) for telehealth add credibility, standardize approaches, facilitate reimbursement, and decrease liability.ObjectivesTo develop BPG for the use of Telehealth In Rheumatology in the Arab region, to identify the top barriers and facilitators of telehealth in the Arab region, and to provide rheumatologists with a practical toolkit for the implementation of telehealth.MethodsGuidelines were drafted by a core steering committee from the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR) after performing a literature search. A multidisciplinary task force (TF), including 18 rheumatologists, 2 patients, and 2 regulators from 15 Arab countries, assessed the BPG using 3 rounds of anonymous online voting by modified Delphi process. The voting on barriers and facilitators was performed through one voting round. The toolkit was developed based on available literature and discussions during the Delphi rounds.ResultsFour General Principles and twelve Statements were formulated. All statements reached >80% consensus. A teleconsultation was specifically defined for the purpose of these guidelines. The concept of choice in telehealth was highlighted, emphasizing patient confidentiality, medical information security, rheumatologist’s clinical judgment, and local jurisdictional regulations. The top barrier for telehealth was the concern about the quality of care. The toolkit emphasized technical aspects of teleconsultation and proposed a triage system.ConclusionsThe ArLAR BPG provides rheumatologists with a series of strategies about the most reliable, productive, and rational approaches to apply telehealth.Article SummaryStrengths and limitations of this studyBest practice guidelines (BPG) the use of Telehealth In Rheumatology in the Arab region were developed herein under the umbrella of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR)A teleconsultation was specifically defined for the purpose of these guidelinesThe concept of choice in telehealth was highlighted, emphasizing patient confidentiality, medical information security, rheumatologist’s clinical judgment, and local jurisdictional regulationsThe top barrier for telehealth was the concern about the quality of careThe ArLAR BPG provides rheumatologists with a series of strategies about the most reliable, productive, and rational approaches to apply telehealth in the rheumatology clinic

Musculoskeletal disorders remain a major problem in hemodialysis patients. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations in hemodialysis patients and identify disease cluster profiles. We performed a cross-sectional study including all adult patients in the hemodialysis unit at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital. We collected demographic characteristics, musculoskeletal symptoms, biologic parameters, and treatments. Musculoskeletal disorders were classified by a rheumatologist into predefined diagnostic categories. Prevalence was presented, and a cluster analysis was performed. Eighty-nine patients were included, mean age was 67.5 ± 12 years, and 43.8% were female. Dialysis vintage was 5.7 ± 5.37 years. Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 76.4% of the patients. Pain was the most frequent symptom (44.9%). The main diagnoses were osteoarthritis (53.9%) and fracture (27%). Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders were significantly associated with dialysis vintage and age. Cluster analysis identified three patient profiles: younger with low calcium levels, younger but long dialysis vintage with osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, and older with long dialysis vintage and fractures. The prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations is high in the hemodialysis population and increases with dialysis vintage. Musculoskeletal disorders cluster according to age and dialysis vintage. Key Points• Musculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent among hemodialysis patients (76.4%).• All musculoskeletal disorders are associated with dialysis vintage and age.• Three clusters are identified among hemodialysis patients: young with low calcium levels, young but long dialysis vintage with osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome and old with long dialysis vintage with fractures.

The Spondyloarthritis (SpA) represents a group of rheumatic inflammatory entities that share clinical, laboratory and imaging features, including Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Axial involvement may occur in up to 50% of patients with PsA (axPsA), causing inflammatory back pain, stiffness and changes on imaging. Whether axial SpA (axSpA) with psoriasis represents a distinct entity than axPsA is a matter of debate, since similarities and differences have been reported in terms of clinical expression and imaging. Patients with radiographically axPsA show lower prevalence of inflammatory b ack pain, lumbar and buttock pain in comparison with axSpA. In addition, imaging features differ between axPsA and axSpA, with less sacroiliitis in axPsA and more asymmetrical, chunky syndesmophytes which are predominant at the cervical spine location. Data on treatment efficacy and management recommendations are extrapolated from studies on axSpA, and only one published randomized clinical trial is dedicated specifically to axPsA to date.

Little is known about the prevalence, phenotype, and burden of peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA). The objective of the study is to compare the phenotype and burden of disease of pure pSpA to that of pure psoriatic arthritis (PsA), pure axial SpA (axSpA), and combined forms of SpA.This is a post hoc analysis of 4,185 patients from the cross-sectional ASAS-Peripheral involvement in SpA (PerSpA) study. Patients were approached in 2 ways: the first approach was based on the rheumatologist's diagnosis (diagnostic approach) and the second one was based on the fulfillment of ASAS or CASPAR classification criteria (classification criteria approach). Demographics, disease phenotype, and burden were compared among pure pSpA, PsA, axSpA, and the combined forms.The proportion of pSpA was 31.5% of SpA using the classification criteria approach and 10.3% using the diagnostic approach. pSpA was pure (i.e. without axSpA or PsA) in 16.8% of pSpA using the criteria, and in 62.3% using the diagnostic approach. Using classification criteria and diagnostic approach, respectively, pure pSpA patients had a high prevalence of peripheral joint disease (86 and 96%), synovitis (76 and 91%), and enthesitis (57 and 55%), a positive HLA-B27 in 65 and 59%, a high C-Reactive Protein level in 51% and inflammatory back pain in 52 and 42%. However, compared to pure PsA and pure axSpA, they had a significantly higher disease burden, but lower use of biologics using both approaches.The proportion of pSpA varies when using the classification criteria or the diagnostic approach. pSpA occurred in a pure form less frequently than PsA and axSpA and had intermediate features but a higher disease burden.The PerSpA main study has been conducted under the umbrella of ASAS thanks to unrestricted grants from PFIZER, LILLY, ABBVIE, NOVARTIS, UCB, JANSSEN, MERCK.

ObjectivesTo characterise peripheral musculoskeletal involvement in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), across the world.MethodsCross-sectional study with 24 participating countries. Patients with a diagnosis of axial SpA (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA) or PsA according to their rheumatologist were included. The investigators were asked which diagnosis out of a list of six (axSpA, PsA, pSpA, inflammatory bowel disease-associated SpA, reactive arthritis or juvenile SpA (Juv-SpA)) fitted the patient best. Peripheral manifestations (ie, peripheral joint disease, enthesitis, dactylitis and root joint disease), their localisation and treatments were evaluated.ResultsA total of 4465 patients were included (61% men, mean age 44.5 years) from four geographic areas: Latin America (n=538), Europe plus North America (n=1677), Asia (n=975) and the Middle East plus North Africa (n=1275). Of those, 78% had ever suffered from at least one peripheral musculoskeletal manifestation; 57% had peripheral joint disease, 44% had enthesitis and 15% had dactylitis. Latin American had far more often peripheral joint disease (80%) than patients from other areas. Patients with PsA had predominantly upper limb and small joint involvement (52%).Hip and shoulder involvement was found in 34% of patients. The prevalence of enthesitis ranged between 41% in patients with axSpA and 65% in patients with Juv-SpA. Dactylitis was most frequent among patients with PsA (37%).ConclusionThese results suggest that all peripheral features can be found in all subtypes of SpA, and that differences are quantitative rather than qualitative. In a high proportion of patients, axial and peripheral manifestations coincided. These findings reconfirm SpA clinical subtypes are descendants of the same underlying disease, called SpA.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a cause of unprecedented global morbidity and mortality. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination has emerged as the only tangible solution to reducing poor clinical outcomes, vaccine hesitancy continues to be an obstacle to achieving high levels of vaccine uptake. This represents particular risk to patients with autoimmune diseases, a group already at increased risk of hospitalization and poor clinical outcomes related to COVID-19 infection. Whilst there is a paucity of long-term safety and efficacy data of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases, the current evidence strongly suggests that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of adverse effects and disease flares. Herein, we report the protocol of the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study, an ongoing international collaborative study involving 29 countries and over 110 investigators. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00296-021-05046-4.

To evaluate the perceptions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) about self-assessment of their disease activity after watching an educational video. Consecutive patients with RA consulting their rheumatologist in six Middle Eastern Countries were invited to watch an educational video developed to teach self-assessment using Disease Activity Score (DAS-28). Then, a rheumatology nurse conducted a semi-structured interview and collected the patients’ perception about the understanding of the video, feasibility, capability and confidence in performing self-assessment using Likert-type items. The degree of confidence with self-assessment was correlated to the patients’ socio-demographic characteristics. Sixty-two patients were included and had an overall positive reaction to the video. It was easy to understand in 96% and helped facilitate self-assessment in 92% of cases. Self-assessment was considered totally feasible in 74%, and 66% of patients were capable of always doing it, with a confidence of 60% (always) to 34% (sometimes). Confidence was associated with a higher educational level. Nevertheless, 77% of patients felt that the self-assessment would not fully replace the physician’s visit. Open-ended questions identified five themes: better understanding of the disease, easier communication with the rheumatologist, less consultation time, difficulty with the scoring part and importance of practice. Patients with RA felt that self-assessment was feasible and helpful in understanding RA, improving communication with the rheumatologist and shortening the visit time. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00296-021-04799-2.

Objective To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on rheumatology practice. Method A cross-sectional web survey was designed by the members of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), validated by its scientific committee and disseminated through e-mail and social media. It included close-ended questions about the impact of the pandemic on the rheumatology activities, including outpatient visits and hospitalizations (in percentage, 100% corresponds to complete suspension) and open-ended questions about unmet needs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of impact. Suggestions were developed to improve the practice. Results A total of 858 rheumatologists were included in the analysis (27.3% of registered in ArLAR), 37% were 35–44 years old, 60% were females, and 48% worked in the private sector. The impact of COVID-19 was a decrease of 69% in hospitalizations, 65% in outpatient clinic, 56% in infusion centers, and 43% in income. It was associated with the region (highest in the Gulf), use of telemedicine, impact on income and practice sector (lowest in private). There was a hydroxychloroquine shortage in 47%. Telemedicine was mostly based on traditional telephone contacts and e-mails and reimbursed in 12%. Fifteen rheumatologists (1.8%) were infected and 156 cases of COVID-19 were reported among patients. The top-cited unmet needs in rheumatology practice were access to drugs and a telemedicine platform. Conclusions The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice.Key Points• The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the rheumatology practice, including access to outpatient clinic, hospitalization, and to anchor drugs.• The compromised access to rheumatology care may jeopardize the control of chronic rheumatic diseases and the long-term prognosis.• Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are strongly recommended. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10067-020-05428-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice and on the rheumatologists themselves, and to develop suggestions to improve the practice.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey was designed by members of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), validated by its scientific committee and disseminated through e-mail and social media. It included close-ended questions about the impact of the pandemic on the activities (in percentage, where 100% corresponds to complete suspension), and open-ended questions about unmet needs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of impact. Suggestions were developed to improve practice.ResultsA total of 858 rheumatologists were included in the analysis (27.3% of registered), 37% were 35-44 years-old, 60% were females and 48% worked in the private sector. The impact of COVID-19 was a decrease of 69% in hospitalizations, 65% in outpatient clinic, 56% in infusion centers and 43% in income. It was associated with the region (highest in the Gulf), the use of telemedicine, the impact on income and the practice sector (lowest in private). Telemedicine was mostly based on traditional telephone contacts and e-mails and reimbursed in 12%. Fifteen rheumatologists (1.8%) were infected and 156 cases of COVID-19 among patients were reported, of whom 22% died. The top-cited unmet needs were: access to drugs and a telemedicine platform.Conclusion The negative COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice.

Aim To calculate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 in axial spondyloarthritis patients (axSpA) compared to blood donors (BD) in Lebanon, to identify the clinical and radiological findings associated with HLA-B27 and to estimate the proportion of patients fulfilling the clinical arm of the Assessment of the Spondyloarthritis International Association (ASAS) criteria. Method Consecutive Lebanese adult axSpA patients fulfilling the ASAS classification criteria were included from 12 rheumatology clinics across Lebanon. BD served as controls. A binary logistic regression was used to study the association between HLA-B27 and the disease features. Results A total of 247 individuals were included (141 axSpA patients and 106 BD). The prevalence of HLA-B27 was 3.8% in BD and 41.1% in axSpA. Overall, 39.7% of the axSpA patients fulfilled the clinical arm of the ASAS classification criteria. Sensitivity of HLA-B27 for axSpA was 41.1%, specificity was 96.2%, positive predictive value was 93.6%, and negative predictive value was 55.13%. Positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 10.9 and negative LR was 1.63. We found a positive association of HLA-B27 with family history of SpA and psoriasis. Conclusion Our study confirmed a low prevalence of HLA-B27 in axSpA patients and BD in this Lebanese population, However, we found a high specificity and positive LR, as well as the same number of axSpA patients fulfilling the clinical arm of the ASAS criteria as in European studies. HLA-B27 is therefore valuable for identification of axSpA in Lebanese patients despite the overall low prevalence in this population. Our results may guide future evaluations the role of HLA-B27 in planning local referral strategies.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 is the key laboratory parameter for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Its prevalence is variable across different geographic zones and ethnicities, and often mirrors the prevalence of axSpA. HLA-B27 plays a role in axSpA physiopathology. It is correlated with spondyloarthritis phenotype with a consistent positive association with family history, early disease onset, shorter diagnostic delay, hip involvement, and acute anterior uveitis. HLA-B27 has a pivotal role in many referral strategies. However, these strategies were developed in European populations and need to be evaluated in populations with lower HLA-B27 background prevalence, and where additional parameters might be needed.

Biologic DMARDs are a cornerstone treatment for severe axial spondyloarthritis. Although indications for treatment initiation are well codified, the timing and modalities for tapering remain unclear, despite medical and economic concerns. Encouraging data about treatment tapering are emerging that might guide future management strategies.

Introduction Les premiers vaccins contre la COVID-19 ont été autorisés pour utilisation en décembre 2020. Cependant, leur acceptabilité reste controversée. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d’estimer l’acceptabilité de la vaccination contre la COVID-19 chez les patients atteints de maladies rhumatismales chroniques et les professionnels de santé, et d’évaluer les facteurs associés à cette acceptabilité. Patients et méthodes L’étude ARCOVAX (Etude de la Ligue Arabe des Associations pour la Rhumatologie [ArLAR] sur la vaccination contre la COVID-19) a utilisé un questionnaire anonyme en ligne adapté de l’étude VAXICOV [1], traduit en arabe par les auteurs et validé par le comité scientifique de l’ArLAR. L’enquête a été diffusée en ligne en trois langues : arabe, anglais et français entre le 13 avril et le 11 mai 2021, à travers les réseaux sociaux (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Messenger), des associations de patients, des courriels envoyés de la part de l’ArLAR et du groupe AAAA (Arab Adult Arthritis Awareness), des messages WhatsApp aux patients et aux médecins, et des invitations aux patients en utilisant un code QR affiché dans la salle d’attente. L’acceptabilité a été définie par : les participants déjà vaccinés ou désireux de se faire vacciner ; la non-acceptabilité a été définie par : les participants indécis ou refusant de se faire vacciner. Les données démographiques et de la maladie, les perceptions concernant les vaccins contre la COVID-19 ont été recueillies. Les facteurs associés à l’acceptabilité ont été analysés par deux modèles de régression logistique distincts pour les patients et les professionnels de santé. Résultats L’analyse a inclus 3176 participants de 19 pays Arabes (1594 patients et 1517 professionnels de santé). L’âge moyen des patients était de 39 ans, 73 % étaient des femmes et 18 % avaient une éducation universitaire. Vingt-neuf pour cent des patients étaient déjà vaccinés, contre 59 % des professionnels de santé. L’acceptabilité était significativement plus faible chez les patients (63 %) par rapport aux professionnels de santé (81 %), p

Background:Health outcomes in spondyloarthritis (SpA) are largely determined by socioeconomic (SE) factors, leading to the great inequity observed between countries across the world. However, the impact of these SE factors on health outcomes across the different SpA phenotypes (axSpA, pSpA and PsA), is less well known.Objectives:To investigate (1) the association between individual and country-level SE factors and health outcomes in different SpA phenotypes, and (2) to explore whether any effect of these SE factors is mediated by the use of b/tsDMARD therapy.Methods:Patients with axSpA, pSpA or PsA from the multinational cohort ASAS-perSpA were included in the analysis. The effect of individual (age, gender, education and marital status) and country-level SE factors (Gross Domestic Product [GDP], Healthcare Expenditure [HCE], Human Development Index [HDI], Gini Index) over health outcomes (ASDAS≥2.1, continuous ASDAS, BASFI, fatigue and ASAS-HI) were assessed in multivariable mixed-effects logistic and linear regression models (as appropriate), adjusting for confounders. Interactions between each individual and country-level SE factors and disease phenotype and between both levels of SE factors, were tested. Finally, a mediation analysis was conducted to explore whether the impact of country-level SE factors on ASDAS is mediated through b/tsDMARD uptake.Results:A total of 4185 patients from 23 countries were included: 61% males, mean age 45 (SD 14), 65% axSpA, 10% pSpA and 25% PsA. Female gender, lower educational level and marital status (single vs married) were associated with higher ASDAS, without significant differences across disease phenotype. Living in lower-(vs higher) GDP countries was also associated with higher ASDAS (β=0.39 [95%CI 0.16; 0.63], with similar results for other economic indicators (Figure 1). 7% of the association between GDP and ASDAS was mediated by b/tsDMARD uptake. The above-mentioned individual and country-level SE factors remained significant to discriminate active disease (ASDAS≥2.1), with greater impact of gender (OR=1.32 [1.13; 1.54]), educational level (primary vs university OR=1.76 [1.40;2.20]) and lower GDP (OR= 1.74 [1.22;2.46]). Higher BASFI was also associated with gender (female vs male: β=0.12 [0.01; 0.24]), lower education (primary vs university: β=0.29 [0.11; 0.46], and marital status (single vs married: β=0.23 [0.09; 0.38]), without effect of country-level SE factors, and no differences across SpA phenotype. Gender and lower educational level were similarly associated with worse ASAS-HI scores (female vs male β=0.88 [0.68;1.09], and primary vs university β=0.61 [0.31;0.91]), while more fatigue was only associated with female gender and, in an opposite direction, with higher country-level SE factors (Figure 1). No interactions were found between individual and country-level SE factors for any of the outcomes.Conclusion:Individual (female gender and lower education) and country-level SE factors are independently associated with higher disease activity in SpA. Uptake of b/tsDMARD had a small mediating effect on the association between GDP and ASDAS. Lower education and female gender are also associated with worse outcomes of functional disability, global functioning and fatigue. Country-level SE factors are not associated with functional disability or global functioning; in contrast, there is a paradoxical effect with fatigue: living in a country with a higher SE status is independently associated with higher levels of fatigue. Management of disease outcome in SpA requires also awareness of the role of individual and country level SE-factors.Figure 1.Effect of individual and country-level socioeconomic factors on ASDAS and fatigue, derived from multivariable mixed-effects models adjusted by clinical confounders.Disclosure of Interests:Dafne Capelusnik Speakers bureau: BMS, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Sizheng Steven Zhao: None declared, Annelies Boonen: None declared, Nelly Ziade Speakers bureau: Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Janssen, Novartis, Pierre Fabre, Apotex, Pharmaline, Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, Janssen, Consultant of: Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Janssen, Novartis, Gilead, NewBridge, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, NewBridge, Algorithm/Celgene, Clementina López-Medina: None declared, Maxime Dougados: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Lilly, AbbVie, Sofia Ramiro Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: MSD

Background:Managing patients with chronic rheumatic diseases is increasingly relying on the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team, including the rheumatology nurse who can aid assessment of disease activity among other healthcare tasks.However, this practice, although common in Europe and North America, is still poorly implemented in the Middle eastern Arab countries (MEAC).Objectives:To evaluate the concordance between the physician’s and the nurse’s assessment of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the MEAC.Methods:During a routine patient visit to one of 9 rheumatology clinics located in 7 Middle Eastern Arab countries, the physician and the rheumatology nurse (who was already working in the clinic) performed the disease activity score 28 (DAS), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI) in a blinded manner. The concordance regarding the 3 continuous scores was calculated using paired t-test. The agreement between physician- and nurse-DAS categories (remission, low, moderate and high disease activity) was calculated using weighted kappa for category comparison. Predictive factors of positive concordance between physician- and nurse-DAS were identified using binary logistic regression.Results:The study included 373 patients’ measurements over a period of two years (2018 to 2019). The mean age of the patients was 49.6 years (±28.2), 82.6% were females, and the mean disease duration was 11.3 years (±7.5).The mean physician-DAS was slightly higher (3.97 (±1.52)) than the nurse-DAS (3.90 (±1.54)) (p=0.002), with a mean difference of +0.08 [95%CI 0.03; 0.12] (Table 1). The difference in the DAS individual items, the CDAI and the SDAI were not statistically significant.Table 1.Comparison of the disease activity measures reported by the physician and by the nurse.PhysicianNursep-valueTotal Joint Count4.87 (2.26)5.02 (6.20)0.152Swollen Joint Count2.13 (3.88)2.15 (3.83)0.790Global Assessment3.30 (2.41)3.32 (2.43)0.702DAS-283.97 (1.52)3.90 (1.54)0.002CDAI14.26 (12.53)14.38 (12.59)0.515SDAI21.51 (23.57)21.61 (21.66)0.527When analyzing DAS as a categorical 4-items variable, the agreement between the physician and the nurse was present in 79.36% of the cases (weighted kappa was 0.77 [95%CI 0.73;0.83] which is considered as excellent, and was higher in patients with high disease activity (Figure 1).A positive concordance between the physician- and the nurse-DAS was associated with the country (higher in Egypt, pConclusion:The agreement between the DAS-28 performed by the physician and by the nurse was excellent and was associated with the country and a higher disease activity. The present study confirms that the support of a trained nurse for evaluating disease activity in RA is feasible in the Arab countries and may save some valuable time in the clinic, whilst maintaining the quality of care for patients with RA.Figure 1.Agreement between physician- and nurse-DAS categoriesAcknowledgements:The authors would like to acknowledge the patients for participating in the study and the assistants/ students/ nurses who assisted in the data collection: Dr. Fatima Abdul Majeed Al Hawaj, M. Atef Ahmed, M. Mohammad Alhusamiah, Ms Raquel De Guzman, Ms Lina Razzouk.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Introduction A ce jour, les informations sur l’impact de la pandemie de la COVID-19 sur la pratique de la rhumatologie et sur les rhumatologues sont limitees L’objectif principal de l’etude etait d’evaluer l’impact de la pandemie de la COVID-19 sur la pratique de la rhumatologie dans les pays arabes Les objectifs secondaires etaient d’evaluer l’attitude des rhumatologues envers la telemedecine et de recueillir des propositions pour ameliorer la pratique de la rhumatologie dans la region arabe Materiels et methodes Il s’agit d’une etude observationnelle transversale electronique Un questionnaire en ligne a ete concu par un groupe de travail de la Ligue arabe des associations de rhumatologie (ArLAR) et valide par le comite scientifique de l’ArLAR en anglais et en francais Le questionnaire a ete diffuse par e-mail et sur les reseaux sociaux aux rhumatologues des 15 pays de l’ArLAR Il comprenait 19 questions portant sur les caracteristiques demographiques, l’impact de la pandemie sur les activites (en pourcentage, ou 100 % correspond a une suspension complete des activites), l’attitude envers la telemedecine, et deux questions ouvertes sur les besoins non satisfaits dans la pratique de la rhumatologie L’analyse descriptive de l’ensemble des caracteristiques a ete effectuee en effectifs et pourcentage Une analyse univariee puis multivariee concernant l’etude de l’impact de la COVID19 sur la pratique rhumatologique ont ete realises L’analyse statistique a ete realisee a l’aide du logiciel SPSS Un p

Introduction Les patients avec un diagnostic clinique de spondyloarthrite (SpA) (en incluant le rhumatisme psoriasique – Rhpso) peuvent avoir des symptomes principalement peripheriques ou principalement axiaux. Cependant, des chevauchements entre ces symptomes sont frequents et ils n’existent pas de sous-groupes clairement definis. L’objectif de cette etude a ete d’identifier des groupes des manifestations musculosquelettiques peripheriques selon leur localisation anatomique dans le spectre des SpA (en incluant le Rhpso). Patients et methodes Etude transversale et internationale avec 24 pays participants. Des patients consecutifs avec un diagnostic de SpA axiale (axSpA), SpA peripherique (pSpA), rhumatisme psoriasique (Rhpso), SpA associe a maladie inflammatoire de l’intestin (SpA-MICI), arthrite reactive (ReA) et SpA juvenile ont ete eligibles. Une analyse de cluster pour chaque manifestation peripherique musculosquelettique (affection articulaire peripherique, enthesite et dactylite) a ete realisee en utilisant des donnees sur la localisation anatomique de ces symptomes observes a n’importe quel moment de la maladie. La distribution de ces manifestations peripheriques et les caracteristiques cliniques ont ete comparees entre les differents clusters. Resultats Un total de 4465 patients ont ete inclus. Trois clusters ont ete trouves selon la localisation de l’affection articulaire, nommes « arthrite rare (a) », « principalement membres inferieurs (b) » et « principalement mains (c) ». Les patients du groupe « a » avaient, en comparaison avec les groupes « b » et « c », une prevalence plus importante d’hommes (63,9 % vs 51,3 % vs 41,5 %), de HLA-B27 (79,8 % vs 48,2 % vs 34,8 %) et de diagnostic de axSpA (67,2 % vs 20,9 % vs 23,7 %), mais une prevalence plus basse de psoriasis (23,2 % vs 67,8 % vs 59,6 %) et de diagnostic de Rhpso (17,2 % vs 61,7 % vs 58,5 %). Entre les clusters « b » et « c », l’uveite etait plus frequente chez le premier (15,7 % vs 8,7 %), tandis que la maladie inflammatoire de l’intestin etait plus frequente chez le deuxieme (3,5 % vs 6,7 %). Concernant la localisation de l’enthesite, nous avons trouve aussi 3 clusters, nommes « enthesite du talon (d) », « enthesite axiale (e) » et « polyenthesite (f) ». Les patients du cluster « f » avaient une frequence plus eleve de fibromyalgie concomitante (41,3 % vs 17,4 % vs 31,3 %), de psoriasis (48,3 % vs 28,4 % vs 23,4 %) et de Rhpso (40,8 % vs 22,7 % vs 21,5 %) en comparaison avec les groupes « d » et « e », mais une prevalence moindre d’hommes (40 % vs 61,9 % vs 56,2 %) et de diagnostic d’axSpA (37,5 % vs 61,4 % vs 64,1 %). Finalement, nous avons trouve 3 clusters selon la localisation des dactylites : « absence de dactylite (g) », « principalement orteils (h) » et « principalement doigts (i) ». Le groupe « g » a montre, en comparaison avec les groupes « h » et « i », la plus grande prevalence d’hommes (61,4 % vs 51,4 % vs 52,9 %), de HLA-B27 (66,6 % vs 52,5 % vs 50,0 %) et de diagnostic d’axSpA (62,6 % vs 20 % vs 11,8 %), mais la plus basse frequence de psoriasis (26,9 % vs 68,6 % vs 79,4 %) et de diagnostic de Rhpso (21,5 % vs 65,7 % vs 52,9 %). Conclusion Cette etude suggere la presence de groupes heterogenes d’affection peripherique chez des patients atteints de SpA (et Rhpso) sans groupes clairement definis, ce qui confirme un clair chevauchement entre les differents sous-types de SpA.

Background: Adherence to therapy in chronic diseases such as inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and psoriasis (Pso) is a major condition to achieve positive outcomes. Patient support programs (PSPs) were developed to improve the quality of care and enhance adherence to therapy. Objectives: To evaluate the perception of patients treated for inflammatory chronic diseases towards PSPs. Methods: All available PSPs were identified at the national level, and their services were classified into categories: financial, logistic, educational, and emotional support. Consecutive adult patients with CIRD, IBD and Pso, enrolled in a PSP for more than 3 months, were interviewed by a trained medical student. Demographic data, disease and treatment characteristics were collected at the physician’s clinic. Global satisfaction was estimated using a 5-points Likert scale, adherence to treatment was measured by the Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR), PSPs services were classified according to their importance to the patient using a 5-points Likert scale. An open questionnaire identified the patients’ perceptions qualitatively. Predictive factors of satisfaction were identified. Results: Forty-seven patients were included in the study, 53% were males, with a mean age of 49.8 years (SD 15.2) (Patients’ characteristics in Table 1). The majority declared that the PSP was very useful (95.7%) and were highly satisfied with the programs (97.9%). Higher attributes were assigned, by decreasing order, to: financial (copay program, providing of free samples), logistic (hotline, refrigerating box), educational (educational material) and emotional support. Nursing services and telephone reminders were rated as least important (Figure 1). Most open comments gave higher appreciation to financial support (54%), followed by education (38%) and logistics (8%). High appreciation of education was associated with lower age, type of treatment and PSP. Shorter treatment duration was associated with appreciation of educational material, emotional support and telephone reminders. Conclusion: Patients were highly satisfied with PSP programs, and ranked the financial support as the most important followed by logistics, whereas education, nursing services and telephone reminders were found less important. Lower age and shorter treatment duration were associated with higher appreciation of education and support. References [1] Rubin D, Mittal M, Davis M, et al. Impact of a Patient Support Program on Patient Adherence to Adalimumab and Direct Medical Costs in Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2017;23(8):859-67. [2] Gangi A, Clewell J, Shillington A. The impact of patient support programs on adherence, clinical, humanistic, and economic patient outcomes: a targeted systematic review. Patient Preference and Adherence 2016:10 711–725. [3] Van den Bosch F, Ostor A, Wassenberg S, et al. Impact of Participation in the Adalimumab (Humira) Patient Support Program on Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Course: Results from the PASSION Study. Rheumatol Ther (2017) 4:85–96. Disclosure of Interests: None declared

Background:In patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), root joint diseases (RJD), i.e. hip or shoulder involvement, may be associated with a distinct disease phenotype compared to those with other affected joints. The ASAS-PerSpA study (PERipheral involvement in SPondyloArthritis) [1], offers a unique opportunity to study the phenotypes of patients with RJD in a global cohort.Objectives:Primary objective was to compare the clinical characteristics of SpA patients with and without RJD. Secondary objectives were to compare the prevalence of RJD across the different SpA subtypes and the different regions of the world, compare the severity of axial disease as well as the disease burden in SpA patients with and without RJD.Methods:This is a post-hoc analysis of the ASAS-PerSpA study, which included 4,465 patients with any subtype of SpA (axial SpA (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel disease associated SpA (IBD-SpA), reactive arthritis (ReA) and Juvenile SpA (Juv-SpA)) according to the rheumatologist’s diagnosis. RJD was defined as a positive answer by the investigator to the following question: “Do you consider that the patient has ever suffered from RJD (e.g. hip, shoulder) related to SpA?” In case of a positive answer, a potential specific treatment (e.g. Total Articular Replacement) was investigated. The patient’s characteristics were compared between those with and without RJD involvement, using Chi-2 or Fisher exact test for the categorical variables and t-test for the continuous variables. Two separate multivariable stepwise binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the dependent variables “hip involvement” and “shoulder involvement”.Results:RJD occurred in 1,503 patients (33.7%), with more prevalent hip (24.2%) than shoulder (13.2%) involvement. The prevalence of RJD as a group was the highest in Juv-SpA (52.7%), followed by pSpA (44.3%) and axSpA (33.9%). The highest prevalence of RJD was found in Asia and the lowest in Europe and North America. Among patients with hip involvement, 6.0% had a history of hip replacement (highest in the Middle East and North Africa and Latin America); among patients with shoulder involvement, 0.8% had a history of shoulder replacement. Hip had a distinct pattern of associations compared to shoulder involvement (Figure 1). Hip involvement was significantly associated with the SpA main diagnosis (highest in pSpA, lowest in PsA), younger age at first SpA symptom, lower prevalence of family history of psoriasis, positive HLA-B27, occiput-to-wall distance>0, and treatment with cs-DMARDs and b-DMARDs. Shoulder involvement was associated with the SpA main diagnosis (highest in Juv-SpA and pSpA, lowest in axSpA), older age at first SpA symptom, higher prevalence of enthesitis, dactylitis, tender joints count, IBD, occiput-to-wall distance>0, EQ5D score and treatment with cs-DMARDs.Conclusion:Hip involvement was more prevalent than shoulder involvement in patients with SpA, and had a distinct phenotype resembling axial disease whereas shoulder involvement was mostly associated with features of peripheral disease. Hip and shoulder involvement should be analyzed separately in future studies rather than under the RJD entity.References:[1]Lopez-medina, C. et al. Prevalence and Distribution of Peripheral Musculoskeletal Manifestations in Axial Spondyloarthritis, Peripheral Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Results of the International, Cross-sectional ASAS-PerSpA Study. RMD Open; 2021;7:e001450.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Patients with a diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) may have predominant axial or peripheral symptoms, and the frequency and distribution of these symptoms may determine the clinical diagnosis by the rheumatologist (“clinical clusters”). Clustering analysis represents an unsupervised exploratory analysis which tries to identify homogeneous groups of cases (“statistical clusters”) without prior information about the membership for any of the cases.Objectives:To identify “statistical clusters” of peripheral involvement according to the specific location of these symptoms in the whole spectrum of SpA and PsA (without prior information about the diagnosis of the patients), and to evaluate whether these “statistical clusters” are in agreement with the “clinical clusters”.Methods:Cross-sectional and multicentre study with 24 participating countries. Consecutive patients considered by their treating rheumatologist as suffering from either PsA, axial SpA (axSpA) or peripheral SpA (pSpA) were enrolled. Four different cluster analyses were conducted: the first one using information about the specific location from all the peripheral musculoskeletal manifestations (i.e., peripheral arthritis, enthesitis and dactylitis), and thereafter a cluster analysis for each peripheral manifestation individually. Multiple correspondence analyses and k-means clustering methods were used. Distribution of peripheral manifestations and clinical characteristics were compared across the different clusters.Results:4465 patients were included in the analysis. Two clusters were found with regard to the location of all the peripheral manifestations (Fig. 1). Cluster 1 showed a low prevalence of peripheral manifestations in comparison with cluster 2; however, when peripheral involvement appeared in cluster 1, this was mostly represented by arthritis of hip, knee and ankle, as well as enthesitis of the heel. Patients from cluster 1 showed a higher prevalence of males (63% vs 44%), HLA-B27 positivity (69% vs 38%) and axial involvement (80% vs 52%), as well as more frequent diagnosis of axSpA (66% vs 21%) and more frequently fulfilling the ASAS axSpA criteria (69% vs. 41%). Patients from cluster 2 showed a higher prevalence of psoriasis (63% vs 25%), a more frequent diagnosis of PsA (61% vs 19%), and they fulfilled more frequently the peripheral ASAS (26% vs 11%) and the CASPAR criteria (57% vs 19%).Figure 1.Distribution of the peripheral involvement across clustersThree clusters were found with regard to the location of the peripheral arthritis. Clusters 2 and 3 showed a high prevalence of peripheral joint disease, although this was located more predominantly in the lower limbs in cluster 2, and in the upper limbs in cluster 3. Cluster 1 showed a higher prevalence of males, HLA-B27 positivity, axial involvement, a lower presence of psoriasis, a more frequent diagnosis of axSpA and fulfilling the ASAS axSpA criteria in comparison with clusters 2 and 3, respectively. Clusters 2 and 3 showed a higher prevalence of enthesitis and dactylitis in comparison with cluster 1, a more frequent diagnosis of PsA and fulfillment of the CASPAR criteria.Information about the location of enthesitis exhibited three groups: cluster 1 showed a very low prevalence of enthesitis, while cluster 2 and 3 showed a high prevalence of enthesitis, with a predominant involvement of axial enthesis in cluster 2 and peripheral enthesitis in cluster 3.Finally, the analysis of dactylitis also exhibited three clusters that showed a very low prevalence of dactylitis, predominantly toes and predominantly fingers involvement, respectively.Conclusion:These results suggest the presence of heterogeneous patterns of peripheral involvement in SpA and PsA patients without clearly defined groups, confirming the clear overlap of these peripheral manifestations across the different underlying diagnoses.Acknowledgements:This study was conducted under the umbrella of ASAS with unrestricted grant of Abbvie, Pfizer, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Janssen and Merck.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Involving the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the assessment of their disease may increase their adherence to treatment, improve the disease outcomes and facilitate the application of telehealth. We previously reported an excellent concordance between the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) performed by physicians and patients at the baseline visit of this prospective study (1).Objectives:To evaluate the persistence of the concordance between the physician’ and the patient’s assessment of disease activity in RA using DAS-28 after one year.Methods:At the baseline visit, patients with RA from 7 Middle Eastern Arab Countries (MEAC) were briefed about DAS-28 by their rheumatologist during a routine consultation and given smartphone access to a video in Arabic language explaining the performance of DAS-28. At 3, 6 and 12 months (± 3 months), the patients were asked to self-report DAS-28, blinded to the physician’s assessment. Concordance between the continuous DAS-28 at each visit was calculated using paired t-test numerically and the Bland-Altman method graphically. Agreement between physician- and patient-DAS categories (remission, low-, moderate- and high disease activity) was calculated at each visit using weighted kappa for category comparison. Weighted kappa of the different agreements were compared over time using their respective confidence intervals (CIs). Predictive factors of positive concordance between physician and patient-DAS were identified using binary logistic regression.Results:The study included 428 patients over a period of three years (2018 to 2020). The mean age of participants was 49.8 years, 82.5% were females, 44.3% had a university degree and the mean disease duration was 11.4 years.At baseline, the average patient-DAS was higher (4.06 (±1.52)) than the physician-DAS (3.97 (±1.52)). The mean difference was -0.09 [95%CI -0.14; -0.04] and most of the pairs were within the limit of agreement in the Bland-Altman graph, indicating a good concordance, particularly in cases of remission.During the study follow-up, 299 patients consulted for visit 2 (69.9% of the total population), 232 for visit 3 (54.2%) and 199 for visit 4 (46.5%). The weighted kappa was 0.80 [95%CI 0.76;0.85] at visit 1 and 0.79 [95%CI 0.72;0.88] at visit 4 (Figure 1 showing kappa for DAS-28, CDAI and SDAI as well). A minor numerical decrease in kappa was observed over time; however, the CIs were overlapping over the four visits and the agreement was considered stable, remaining in the excellent range. At visit 4, a positive concordance between the physician- and the patient-DAS was associated with the profession (lower in blue collar, p=0.001), the educational level (higher in high school and university, p=0.034) and the baseline physician’s DAS (higher in high disease activity, p=0.46).Conclusion:The agreement between the DAS-28 performed by the physician and by the patient was excellent at baseline and remained stable over one year. A positive concordance was associated with the profession, the educational level and the level of disease activity. The present study can help the rheumatologist make informed decisions about the patients who may be suitable for a remote evaluation of their disease activity, that can be of particular interest in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.References:[1]Ziade N, Saad S, al Mashaleh M, et al. Perceptions of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis about Self-Assessment of Disease Activity after Watching an Educational Video: Qualitative Pilot Results from the Auto-DAS in Middle Eastern Arab Countries Study [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2018; 70 (suppl 10).Acknowledgements:The authors would like to acknowledge the patients for participating in the study and the assistants/ students/ nurses who assisted in the data collection: Dr. Fatima Abdul Majeed Al Hawaj, M. Atef Ahmed, M. Mohammad Alhusamiah, Ms Raquel De Guzman, Ms Lina Razzouk.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

International audience; Imaging of the spine and sacroiliac joints has acquired a central role in the diagnosis and classification of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in the earliest phases of the disease. New definitions of specific imaging lesions, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been recently updated and revised by the ASAS MRI working group to reach a standardized understanding and diagnosis of axSpA among rheumatologists. Recognizing the misleading pitfalls of MRI lesions and differential diagnosis also represents an essential issue in clinical practice to avoid false-positive findings and establish the diagnosis of axSpA with careful regard to the clinical context, clinical signs, and biological tests. This review summarizes the current evidence on the different imaging modalities of the sacroiliac joints and the spine with their application in the clinical setting of SpA and their main pitfalls; it also highlights the newest emerging imaging techniques.

Introduction La distribution des manifestations peripheriques musculosquelettiques chez tous les sous-types de spondyloarthrite (SpA) et leurs caracteristiques ont ete peu etudiees. De plus, tres peu d’etudes ont evalue la distribution des manifestations peripheriques selon la region geographique. L’objectif de cette etude a ete de comparer la prevalence, les caracteristiques et les traitements des manifestations musculosquelettiques peripheriques chez les patients atteints de tous sous-types possibles de SpA ainsi que leur distribution selon la region geographique. Patients et methodes Etude transversale avec 24 pays participants. Des patients consecutifs avec un diagnostic de SpA axiale (axSpA), SpA peripherique (pSpA), rhumatisme psoriasique (Rhpso), SpA associe a maladie inflammatoire de l’intestin (SpA-MICI), arthrite reactive (ReA) et SpA juvenile etaient eligibles pour l’etude. La prevalence des manifestations peripheriques (affection articulaire peripherique, enthesite, dactylite, tarsite et affection des articulations racines) leur localisation et leur traitement ont ete evalues, ainsi que leur distribution dans les differentes regions du monde. Resultats Un total de 4465 patients (61 % hommes, âge moyenne 45 ans) ont ete inclus appartenant a quatre regions : Amerique Latine (n = 538), Europe et Amerique du Nord (n = 1677), Asie (n = 975), Moyen-Orient et Afrique du Nord (n = 1275). La prevalence des diagnostics etait axSpA (60,9 %), Rhpso (23,1 %), pSpA (9,7 %), SpA-MICI (2,5 %), ReA (1,3 %), et Juv-SpA (1,3 %). Parmi la totalite des patients, 78,3 % avaient eu au moins une manifestation peripherique ; 56,9 % au moins une affection articulaire peripherique, 44,3 % une enthesite, 33,7 % une affection des articulations racines, 15,3 % une dactylite et 7,7 % une tarsite. Les patients d’Amerique Latine avaient la prevalence la plus haute d’affection articulaire peripherique (79,9 %), d’enthesite (68,8 %), de dactylite (25,5 %) et de tarsite (23,6 %), tandis que la prevalence d’affection des articulations des racines des membres etait plus elevee chez les patients d’Asie (57,4 %). L’affection articulaire peripherique etait plus frequente chez les patients avec pSpA (94,7 %) et moins souvent chez les patients avec axSpA (36,0 %). Les patients atteints de Rhpso avaient plus souvent une atteinte polyarticulaire (58,9 %) tandis que les axSpA avaient une atteinte surtout mono-articulaire (20,1 %). L’atteinte des petites articulations des membres superieurs etait plus souvent observee chez les patients avec Rhpso (52,0 %) tandis que l’atteinte des grosses articulations des membres inferieurs etait plus souvent chez les MICI-SpA (55,9 %) et pSpA (51,2 %). Parmi les patients avec atteinte des articulations proximales, la hanche etait surtout observee dans les axSpA (86 %) tandis que l’epaule etait plus frequente au cours du Rhpso (60,9 %). Les patients atteints de axSpA avaient la prevalence la plus basse d’enthesite (40,9 %) et de dactylite (6,0 %) ; cependant, les dactylites etaient plus souvent localises aux pieds au cours de la axSpA et aux mains au cours des ReA et SpA-MICI. Conclusion Cette etude suggere que toutes ces manifestations musculosquelettiques peripheriques peuvent etre trouvees dans tous les sous-types de SpA (en incluant le Rhpso), avec seulement des differences quantitatives. Ces resultats confirment le chevauchement entre les differentes entites et suggerent que la probabilite de trouver ces manifestations depend de la maladie sous-jacente. En plus, ces resultats confirment la grande variabilite dans l’expression de la maladie entre pays.

Introduction Evaluer l’impact de la pandemie de la COVID-19 sur l’acces aux soins en rhumatologie pour les patients atteints de maladies rhumatismales chroniques dans les pays arabes. Materiels et methodes Il s’agit d’une etude observationnelle transversale en ligne. Un questionnaire en ligne a ete concu par le groupe arabe de sensibilisation aux rhumatismes inflammatoires de l’adulte (AAAA), compose de 16 rhumatologues representant les pays de la Ligue Arabe des Associations de Rhumatologie (ArLAR), et a ete valide par le comite scientifique de l’ArLAR. Le questionnaire a ete diffuse a travers les reseaux sociaux et les canaux des associations de patients entre le 8 et le 22 mai 2020. Le recueil des donnees a ete effectue de facon anonyme. Le questionnaire comprenait : les caracteristiques socio-demographiques des patients, leur vecu face a la COVID19 et son impact sur leur prise en charge. L’analyse descriptive des caracteristiques a ete effectuee en effectifs et pourcentage. Une analyse univariee puis multivariee concernant l’etude de l’impact de la COVID19 sur les patients ont ete realisees. L’analyse statistique a ete realisee a l’aide du logiciel SPSS. Un p Resultats Cette etude a inclus 2163 patients ; 72 % etaient des femmes ; l’âge moyen etait de 40 ans (DS 11,9). Les regions du Levant, du Golfe et de l’Afrique du Nord ont ete representees de facon egale dans cet echantillon. La pandemie de la COVID-19 a eu un impact negatif significatif sur le nombre de visites en rhumatologie dans 82 % des cas, avec, dans 27 % de cas, une impossibilite de contacter le rhumatologue. L’impact sur l’acces a l’hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) etait egalement significatif (47 % des cas), ainsi que sur la disponibilite et la persistance des autres traitements chroniques (arret partiel ou complet dans 28 %). L’impact negatif sur les consultations en rhumatologie etait associe au sexe feminin, au pays de residence, a la non-persistance des traitements, au confinement du a la COVID-19 et a l’impact sur la sante mentale. En effet, cette pandemie a eu un impact sur la sante mentale chez 73 % des participants (impact mineur dans 48 %, majeur dans 25 %). L’impact sur la sante mentale etait associe au pays de residence, a la perturbation des visites chez le rhumatologue, a la persistance des traitements, a la diminution de l’acces a l’HCQ, a l’infection personnelle par le SRAS-CoV-2, au confinement du au COVID-19 et a l’impact negatif sur le revenu. Soixante et un patients (2,8 %) ont declare qu’ils avaient souffert eux meme d’une infection par la COVID-19, 5 % ont declare qu’un proche etait infecte et 47 % etaient en auto-isolement a cause de la pandemie COVID-19. Interroges sur leur attitude a l’egard de la telemedecine, 98,8 % ont declare qu’ils accepteraient une teleconsultation (50 % via Internet et 48,8 % via un contact telephonique). Conclusion Notre etude a permis de mettre en evidence les consequences deleteres de la pandemie de la COVID-19 sur la continuite des soins en rhumatologie, la persistance des traitements chroniques et la sante mentale des patients ; tous ces elements etant des facteurs predictifs cles du pronostic de la maladie. Par consequent, un plan d’action, comprenant la mise en place d’une plateforme de telemedecine, la garantie de la disponibilite des traitements chroniques et la promotion de l’adhesion therapeutique par les canaux de communication appropries, serait fortement recommande.

Background:Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Familial Meditaerranean fever (FMF) may co-exist in certain populations, and have some overlapping manifestations (oligo-arthritis, hip involvement). Their association may impact disease phenotype and may affect disease management.Objectives:To evaluate the association of SpA and FMF and its impact on disease phenotype and management.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted with the keywords spondyloarthritis and familial mediterranean fever from Janurary 1990 to January 2020 in PubMed and using manual cross-reference methods.Results:The search retrieved 74 articles, out of which 37 articles were relevant to the study question; most of the articles were case reports, with some large cohort studies of FMF and SpA (Flowchart in Figure 1).In large FMF cohorts, the prevalence of SpA was higher compared to the general population (7.5-13%, OR around 10). M694V was a risk factor for SpA. These FMF-SpA patients were older at diagnosis, had lower fever attacks, and higher disease duration, inflammatory back pain, chronic arthritis, enthesopathy, persistent inflammation and higher resistance to Colchicine. In case series, they were responsive to anti-TNF therapy.In large SpA cohorts, MEFV mutation, particularly M694V, was found in 15-35% (even without associated FMF). In most cohorts, MEFV mutation carriers didn’t have any distinct disease phenotype, except for some reports of higher ESR, more hip involvement, higher BASFI and higher BASDAI. Genome-wide association studies and case reports suggest an implication for IL-1 and thus a role for Anakinra therapy in these patients.Conclusion:In FMF or SpA patients with resistance to conventional therapy, the evaluation of disease association should be performed as it may have significant impact on disease management.References:[1]Li et al, Plos Genetics 2019. Watad et al, Frontiers Immunol 2019. Atas et al, Rheumatol Int 2019. Cherqaoui et al, JBS 2017. Zhong et al. Plos One 2017. Ornek et al, Arch Rheumatol 2016. Cinar et al, Rheumatol Int 2008. Durmur et al, JBS 2007.Figure 1.Flowchart of the systematic literature search (Spondyloarthritis, Familial Mediterranean Fever; January 1990-2020).Disclosure of Interests:Nelly Ziade Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Aref Nassar: None declared

Clinical practice guidelines can assist rheumatologists in the proper prescription of newer treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this paper is to report on the recommendations for the management of patients with RA in the Eastern Mediterranean region. We adapted the 2015 American College of Rheumatology guidelines in two separate waves. We used the adolopment methodology, and followed the 18 steps of the “Guidelines 2.0” comprehensive checklist for guideline development. For each question, we updated the original guidelines’ evidence synthesis, and we developed an Evidence Profile (EP) and an Evidence to Decision (EtD) table. In the first wave, we adoloped eight out of the 15 original questions on early RA. The strength changed for five of these recommendations from strong to conditional, due to one or more of the following factors: cost, impact on health equities, the balance of benefits, and harms and acceptability. In the second wave, we adoloped eight out of the original 44 questions on established RA. The strength changed for two of these recommendations from strong to conditional, in both cases due to cost, impact on health equities, balance of benefits and harms, and acceptability. The panel also developed a good practice recommendation. We successfully adoloped 16 recommendations for the management of early and established RA in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The process proved feasible and sensitive to contextual factors.