Search

Early referral to rheumatology of people with suspected inflammatory arthritis is associated with better outcomes. Typically, these individuals are seen by a family physician who would assess the need for rheumatology referral. However, some may first consult a physical therapist where no physician referral is required. New interprofessional referral pathways, such as direct referral from a physical therapist to a rheumatologist, could enhance early access to a rheumatologist. Our objective was to explore perceptions of clinicians and people with inflammatory arthritis regarding physical therapists referring directly to rheumatologists. We used purposive and snowball sampling to recruit participants for five focus groups: rheumatologists, family physicians, physical therapists, people with inflammatory arthritis, and a mixed group of physical therapists and people with inflammatory arthritis. Thematic analysis revealed four core themes: difficulties accessing care, reluctance of family physicians and rheumatologists toward the new pathway, interprofessional relationships (or lack thereof), and opportunities along the referral pathway. The conclusions are that care must be optimized by ensuring swift referral for those who require it; and that there is a need for knowledge translation to all actors on the advantages of this new pathway.

ObjectiveSeveral advanced therapies have been licensed across the related conditions of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Crohn disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and noninfectious uveitis. We sought to summarize results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of advanced therapies for these related conditions in patients with PsA.MethodsWe updated the previous systematic search conducted in 2013 with literature reviews of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (from February 2013 to August 2020) on this subject; only those new studies are presented here. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.ResultsThe number of RCTs meeting eligibility criteria were 12 for CD, 15 for UC, and 5 for uveitis. The tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) class appears to be efficacious and safe across CD, UC, and uveitis, with the exception of etanercept. Interleukin 12/23 inhibitors (IL-12/23i) are efficacious for CD and UC. Phase II and III RCTs of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) and IL-23i in CD and UC are promising in terms of efficacy and safety. IL-17i must be used with great caution in patients with PsA at high risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). RCTs in uveitis have mainly studied adalimumab.ConclusionWe have identified 32 recent RCTs in IBD and uveitis and updated recommendations for managing patients with PsA and these related conditions. A multispecialty approach is essential to effectively, safely, and holistically manage such patients. Advanced therapies are not equally efficacious across these related conditions, with dosing regimens and safety varying.

Physical therapists (PTs) should know how to best treat patients with inflammatory arthritis.To document interventions chosen by PTs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and whether choices follow evidence-based practice.Licensed musculoskeletal PTs in Quebec, Canada responded to an online survey. Descriptive statistics illustrated proportions for each treatment choice and inferential statistics explored associations with demographic and practice-related factors.There were 298 PTs who responded to the survey. For both RA and AS respectively, most common interventions were mobility exercises (91.0%; 98.3%) and patient education (90.1%; 92.8%). For both cases, slightly60% selected strengthening exercises. Passive forms of therapy were chosen by 36% of PTs for RA and 58% for AS. Aerobic exercise was rarely selected. PTs working in the public sector were less likely to use manual therapy for both RA (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22,0.86) and AS (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22,0.97).Most PTs chose mobility exercises and patient education, representing evidence-based approaches. Despite current recommendations, strengthening and especially aerobic exercises were not used as much. There is a need to increase awareness regarding the benefits of strengthening and aerobic exercise for these patients.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Both are managed with biologic therapies; however, there is a lack of evidence for nr-axSpA therapies. The primary objective was to compare persistence to first biologic between AS and nr-axSpA patients in a longitudinal cohort. Secondary objectives were to examine disease activity markers over time and to evaluate predictors for drug discontinuation. METHODS Data were obtained from persons enrolled in the SpondyloArthritis Research Consortium of Canada registry between 2003 and 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed from the time of biologic initiation until discontinuation and compared using the log-rank test. Subanalyses were performed according to calendar year and disease activity. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors associated with discontinuation. RESULTS We identified 385 biologic-naive persons. Overall, the 349 AS participants had longer persistence to their first biologic than the 36 nr-axSpA subjects (p < 0.01). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index decreased by 2.3 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-2.7) and 3.2 points (95% CI, 2.6-3.7), respectively, in the first year and were stable thereafter. Adjusting for sex, human leukocyte antigen B27, and smoking status, nr-axSpA patients were more likely to discontinue their biologic than AS patients (hazards ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.03-2.62). CONCLUSIONS In this real-world study, AS patients had longer persistence to their first biologic compared with nr-axSpA, with disease subtype being the most significant predictor of treatment persistence. Future studies should be targeted at assessing long-term clinical outcome of axSpA in the real-world setting.

We surveyed Canadian rheumatologists regarding beliefs about physical therapists' (PTs) ability to refer patients appropriately to rheumatologists and whether they would accept such referrals. Most (86.9%) believed that PTs can appropriately refer to rheumatologists. However, only 48.2% of rheumatologists would be very or extremely likely to accept a referral from a PT they knew, and 23.5% would accept a referral from a PT they did not know. Conversely, 90.5% would accept a referral from a PT if they could bill it as a full consult. We conclude that being able to bill PT referrals as full consults may potentially enhance the acceptance of PT referrals.

Objective.The aim of this study was to develop a patient-centered quality measurement framework to address a predefined vision statement and 7 strategic objectives for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care that was developed in prior qualitative work with arthritis stakeholders.Methods.One hundred forty-seven RA-related performance measures (PMs) were identified from a systematic review. A candidate list of 26 PMs meeting predefined criteria and addressing the strategic objectives previously defined was then assessed during a 3-round (R) modified Delphi. Seventeen panelists with expertise in RA, quality measurement, and/or lived experience with RA rated each PM on a 1–9 scale based on the items of importance, feasibility, and priority for inclusion in the framework during R1 and R3, with a moderated discussion in R2. PMs with median scores ≥ 7 on all 3 items without disagreement were included in the final set, which then underwent public comment.Results.Twenty-one measures were included in the final framework (15 PMs from the Delphi and 6 published system-level measures on access to care and treatment). The measures included 4 addressing early access to care and timely diagnosis, 12 evidence-based care for RA and related comorbidities, 1 addressing patient participation as an informed partner in care, and 4 on patient outcomes.Conclusion.The proposed framework builds upon existing measures capturing early access to care and treatment in RA and adds important PMs to promote high-quality RA care and outcome measurement. In the next phase, the authors will test the framework in clinical practice in addition to addressing certain areas where no suitable PMs were identified.

Objective Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) manifests differently than adult-onset SLE (aSLE). This study determined whether ethnic differences contribute to the differences in clinical presentation between the two groups. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from a multi-centred registry from eight adult and four paediatric Canadian centres gathered at study entry. We compared the frequency of clinical manifestations and autoantibodies between aSLE and cSLE. For those with a significant difference, a multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for ethnicity, SLE onset (cSLE vs aSLE), disease duration and centre. Disease activity and damage between aSLE and cSLE were compared after stratifying by disease duration. Results Of 552 aSLE subjects, 502 (90.9%) were female and 381 (69.0%) were Caucasian. Mean age at diagnosis was 37.0 ± 13.6 years and disease duration 10.9 ± 9.6 years. Of 276 cSLE subjects, 231 (83.7%) were female and 101 (36.6%) were Caucasian. Mean age at diagnosis was 12.7 ± 3.3 years and disease duration 5.6 ± 8.2 years. In multivariable regression analysis, aSLE was associated with decreased odds of having a neurologic disorder (odds ratio = 0.49) and increased odds of having aCL antibodies (odds ratio = 1.85). Disease activity and damage accrual scores were higher in aSLE than cSLE within the same disease duration strata, although the differences were not clinically significant. Ethnicity was not associated with any differences in clinical manifestations or autoantibody frequency between aSLE and cSLE. Conclusion Although a crude comparison of aSLE and cSLE yielded several differences in clinical symptoms and autoantibodies, this difference was not attributable to ethnic differences between aSLE and cSLE.

OBJECTIVE To describe patterns of glucocorticoid use in a large real-world cohort with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and assess the impact on disease activity and treatment. METHODS Data are from adults with new RA (≤1 year) recruited to the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) and are stratified on the basis of whether a person was prescribed oral glucocorticoids within 3 months of study entry. Disease activity was compared over 24 months. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used for adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of escalation to biologics separately for 12 and 24 months, with random effects terms to account for prescribing patterns clustering by study site. RESULTS Among 1891 persons, 30% received oral steroids. Users were older, were less often employed, and had shorter disease duration and higher disease activity. Disease activity improved over time, with early glucocorticoid users starting at higher levels of disease activity. Participants with early oral glucocorticoids were more likely to be on a biologic at 12 months (aOR = 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-3.7) and 24 months (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0). Despite Canadian clinical practice guidelines to limit corticosteroid use to short-term or 'bridge' therapy, 30% of patients who used oral glucocorticoids still used them 2 years later. CONCLUSION Early steroids were prescribed sparingly in CATCH and were often indicative of more active baseline disease as well as the need for progression to biologics.

Objective.Persistent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In a multicenter cohort of patients with prevalent SLE, we described persistence, patterns, and predictors of change in disease activity over time.Methods.Based on SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K scores at cohort entry, patients were classified into 4 groups: low (score < 4; LOW), moderate (4 to < 6; MOD), moderately high (6 to ≤ 10; MHIGH), and very high (> 10; VHIGH). Multivariable linear and longitudinal mixed linear regression models were used to identify predictors of change over time in SLEDAI-2K.Results.There were 2019 participants, with declining followup data over 5 years (1326, 580, 274, 186, and 148 patients, respectively). At cohort entry, mean (± SD) age was 42 (± 17) years, disease duration 11 (± 10) years, and 90% were female. The 4 groups included 44% LOW (n = 891), 20% MOD (n = 400), 22% MHIGH (n = 442), and 14% VHIGH (n = 286); therefore, 36% had clinically important SLE activity. The proportion of patients in the LOW group at entry who moved to a higher activity level varied from 30% (167/557) at 1 year, to 49% (41/83) at 3 years, and 54% (30/56) at 5 years. Among 181 patients with MOD to VHIGH entry activity and 3 years of followup, 116 (64.1%) remained active. In all analyses, only higher SLEDAI-2K at cohort entry remained a significant predictor of higher SLEDAI-2K in subsequent years.Conclusion.Higher SLEDAI-2K at study entry was the single major independent predictor of higher SLEDAI-2K over time, reflecting frequent persistence of active disease, even in patients with longstanding disease. This highlights gaps in the optimal treatment of SLE.

Objective.To characterize the practicing rheumatologist workforce, the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) launched the Stand Up and Be Counted workforce survey in 2015.Methods.The survey was distributed electronically to 695 individuals, of whom 519 were expected to be practicing rheumatologists. Demographic and practice information were elicited. We estimated the number of full-time equivalent rheumatologists per 75,000 population from the median proportion of time devoted to clinical practice multiplied by provincial rheumatologist numbers from the Canadian Medical Association.Results.The response rate was 68% (355/519) of expected practicing rheumatologists (304 were in adult practice, and 51 pediatric). The median age was 50 years, and one-third planned to retire within the next 5–10 years. The majority (81%) were university-affiliated. Rheumatologists spent a median of 70% of their time in clinical practice, holding 6 half-day clinics weekly, with 10 new consultations and 45 followups seen per week. Work characteristics varied by type of rheumatologist (adult or pediatric) and by practice setting (community- or university-based). We estimated between 0 and 0.8 full-time rheumatologists per 75,000 population in each province. This represents a deficit of 1 to 77 full-time rheumatologists per province/territory to meet the CRA recommendation of 1 rheumatologist per 75,000 population, depending on the province/territory.Conclusion.Our results highlight a current shortage of rheumatologists in Canada that may worsen in the next 10 years because one-third of the workforce plans to retire. Efforts to encourage trainees to enter rheumatology and strategies to support retention are critical to address the shortage.

With the increases in and aging of the populations of the Americas, monitoring the number of rheumatologists is critical to address and focus on areas of greatest need.The aim of this study was to gather data on the rheumatology workforce from 21 national societies in the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR).In September and October 2012 and again in October and November 2015, the heads of the 21 rheumatology national societies were contacted in the 2012 survey; all national societies responded except Cuba. In the 2015 survey, all responded except Nicaragua, for which information was provided by national society presidents in adjacent countries.The data from 21 societies contained in PANLAR consist of 10,166 adult and 678 pediatric rheumatologists serving 961 million people. The number of rheumatologists per 100,000 population varies greatly from 3.9 per 100,000 people (Uruguay) to 0.11 per 100,000 people (Nicaragua). The number of training programs also varies widely, with some countries having no indigenous programs. The distribution of rheumatologists is mainly in the large cities, particularly in the smaller countries. Pediatric rheumatologists have dramatically increased in number in 2012, but 96% reside in 6 countries. This remains an underserved area in most countries.The rheumatology workforce in the Americas has improved between 2012 and 2015, especially in the number of pediatric rheumatologists. However, numerically and in the perception of the 21 member societies of PANLAR, the number is still inadequate to meet the increasing demands for rheumatologic care, especially in the care of children with rheumatic disease and in rural areas.

Background Long-term registries are essential to evaluate new therapies in a patient population that differs from clinical trials and usually varies over time. Objectives To describe the profile of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients selected for treatment with infliximab (IFX), golimumab (GLM) or ustekinumab (UST) treatment in Canadian routine care and to describe the long-term real-world effectiveness and safety of these agents. Methods 462 PsA patients treated with IFX, GLM or UST were enrolled into the Biologic Treatment Registry Across Canada (BioTRAC) registry between 2006-2015, 2010-2017 and 2014-2017, respectively. Study visits occurred at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Effectiveness was assessed with changes in TJC28, SJC28, skin, enthesitis, dactylitis, pain, HAQ, acute phase reactants. Safety was evaluated with the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and drug survival rates. Results Of the 111 IFX-, 281 GLM- and 70 UST-treated patients, the proportion of males were 52.3%, 46.3% and 37.1%, the mean age was 48.4, 52.8 and 53.1 years and the mean disease duration was 5.8, 6.1 and 5.7 years, respectively. Most patients were bio-naive (85.6%, 77.9% and 55.7% for IFX, GLM and UST, respectively (p Treatment with IFX, GLM and UST was associated with significant improvements in all disease parameters over time (P AEs were reported for 74.8%, 69.8% and 52.9% (138, 114 and 115 events/100 PYs) and SAEs for 19.8%, 8.5% and 5.7% (8.8, 19.6 and 28.6 events/100 PYs) covering 325, 567 and 87 years of exposure for IFX-, GLM- and UST-treated patients, respectively. One, one and no death occurred IFX-, GLM- and UST-treated patients, respectively. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment were 63.1%, 50.9% and 50.0% over a mean exposure of 2.9, 1.9 and 1.2 years to IFX, GLM and UST, respectively. Conclusion Differences in baseline characteristics between patients treated with an anti-TNF over an anti-IL12/23 agent suggest that the level of joint to skin involvement might be driving physician choice when the time comes to choose a biologic agent. IFX, GLM and UST treatment significantly reduced disease activity and improved functionality in a similar fashion and were well tolerated in patients with PsA. Disclosure of Interests Proton Rahman: None declared, Regan Arendse Grant/research support from: Janssen Sponsored Study, Isabelle Fortin Grant/research support from: ABBVIE, AMGEN, ASTRAZENECA, BMS, CELGENE, GSK, JANSSEN, PFIZER, SANOFI, UCB, Consultant for: LILLY, NOVARTIS, SANOFI, Speakers bureau: NOVARTIS, PFIZER, Andrew Chow Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Celgene, EliLilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant for: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, EliLilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche,UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, EliLilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Majed Khraishi Grant/research support from: Novartis, Consultant for: Amgen, Celgene, Gebro, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Lilly, Merck, Suneil Kapur Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Merck, Janssen, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Michel Zummer: None declared, Jon Chan Grant/research support from: Janssen, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, Celgene, Consultant for: Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Amgen, Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Sandoz, Merck, Larissa Lisnevskaia Grant/research support from: Janssen Sponsored Study, Raheem Kherani Grant/research support from: Janssen, BMS, Abbvie, Consultant for: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Speakers bureau: Jannsen, BMS, Emmanouil Rampakakis : None declared, Odalis Asin MIilan Employee of: Employee of Janssen, Allen Lehman Employee of: Employee of Janssen, Meagan Rachich Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Employee of Janssen, Francois Nantel Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Employee of Janssen

Objective To investigate whether physical therapists (PTs) can correctly identify new-onset inflammatory arthritis; to assess whether PTs are aware that cases of new-onset inflammatory arthritis should be referred to a rheumatologist; to explore the comfort level of PTs to refer to medical specialists; and to determine factors associated with correctly identifying inflammatory arthritis and referring to a rheumatologist. Methods We sent a questionnaire to PTs in 2 Canadian provinces describing 4 case scenarios (new-onset rheumatoid arthritis [RA], knee osteoarthritis [OA], new-onset ankylosing spondylitis [AS], and low back pain [LBP]). Participants were asked to identify probable medical diagnoses and indicate their plan of action. We described the frequencies of our outcomes and used logistic regression to explore associated factors. Results A total of 352 PTs responded. The proportions who correctly identified each of the 4 cases were 90%, 83%, 77%, and 100%, respectively, for RA, OA, AS, and LBP. Among those, 77%, 30%, 73%, and 3%, respectively, indicated that it was "very important" or "extremely important" to refer to a rheumatologist. Approximately two-thirds felt "extremely comfortable" or "quite comfortable" to refer to a specialist. PTs working in rural areas were less likely to refer. Conclusion Most PTs correctly identified the clinical cases and were aware of the importance of prompt referral to a rheumatologist for inflammatory disease. Most indicated that it was not very important to refer those with OA and LBP. This implies that many PTs can distinguish between inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions and appropriately refer patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis to a rheumatologist.

Objective To determine whether socioeconomic status assessed by education is associated with disease activity and the risk of organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Data from the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus, a multicenter database of adult SLE patients, was used to compare education as either low (did not complete high school) or high (completed high school or further) for disease activity and damage. Education was also studied as a continuous variable. The relationships between education and SLE outcomes (any organ damage defined as a Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI] score ≥1, serious organ damage [SDI score ≥3], and end-stage renal disease) were evaluated using logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and disease duration. Results A total of 562 SLE patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 47 years, 91% female, and mean disease duration of 10 years); 81% had high education. The low education group was twice as likely to be work disabled (30%; P

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with rheumatologists' clinical work hours and patient volumes based on a national workforce survey in rheumatology. METHODS Adult rheumatologists who participated in a 2015 workforce survey were included (n = 255). Univariate analysis evaluated the relationship between demographics (sex, age, academic vs. community practice, billing fee for service vs. other plan, years in practice, retirement plans) and workload (total hours and number of ½-day clinics per week) or patient volumes (number of new and follow-up consults per week). Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between practice type, sex, age, and working hours or clinical volumes. RESULTS Male rheumatologists had more ½-day clinics (p = 0.05) and saw more new patients per week (p = 0.001) compared with females. Community rheumatologists had more ½-day clinics and new and follow-up visits per week (all p < 0.01). Fee-for-service rheumatologists reported more ½-day clinics per week (p < 0.001) and follow-ups (p = 0.04). Workload did not vary by age, years in practice, or retirement plans. In multivariate analysis, community practice remained independently associated with higher patient volumes and more clinics per week. Female rheumatologists reported fewer clinics and fewer follow-up patients per week than males, but this did not affect the duration of working hours or new consultations. Age was not associated with work volumes or hours. CONCLUSIONS Practice type and rheumatologist sex should be considered when evaluating rheumatologist workforce needs, as the proportion of female rheumatologists has increased over time and alternative billing practices have been introduced in many centers.

Objective.Anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) is as sensitive as, but more specific than, rheumatoid factor (RF) and is detected earlier in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although part of the RA classification criteria, ACPA testing is not routinely paid for/accessible in all jurisdictions. The effect of missing ACPA testing was studied to determine whether failure to perform ACPA testing could cause a care gap in early inflammatory arthritis.Methods.Nearly 2000 patients (n = 1998) recruited to an early inflammatory arthritis cohort were allocated into 3 groups: (1) seropositive (either RF+ or ACPA+), (2) seronegative (RF− and ACPA−), and (3) missing ACPA and RF−. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, symptom duration, and smoking status if p < 0.1. Disease Activity Score at 28 joints (DAS28) at 3 months was studied, because beyond then, disease activity is expected to determine ongoing treatment.Results.More seropositive patients fulfilled the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism RA criteria than seronegative patients. Group 3 was slightly older and had a smaller percentage of females, as well as shorter symptom duration and less smoking. At 3 months, group 3 was treated with fewer disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and methotrexate (p < 0.00002) than groups 1 and 2, but there were no significant differences in DAS28, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), proportion receiving corticosteroids, or physician’s/patient’s global assessments.Conclusion.There was no care gap in the RF-negative, unknown ACPA group because there were no significant differences in the DAS28, 3-month change in DAS28, or HAQ-DI, despite less treatment. Cost-effectiveness of ensuring ACPA testing availability in suspected RA is unknown because early outcomes did not differ, whether or not ACPA was available.

Objective.To develop a Canadian Rheumatoid Arthritis Core Clinical Dataset (CAN-RACCD) to standardize documentation encouraging high-quality care.Methods.A set of candidate elements was drafted through meetings with 27 rheumatologists, researchers, and patients, and supplemented with focused literature reviews. A 3-round online-modified Delphi consensus process was held with rheumatologists (n = 26), allied health professionals (n = 7), and patients (n = 4); for the remainder there was no demographic information. Participants rated both the importance and feasibility of documenting candidate elements on a Likert scale of 1–9, contributed to an online moderated discussion, and re-rated the elements for inclusion in the CAN-RACCD. Elements were included in the final set if importance and feasibility ratings had a median score of ≥ 6.5 and there was no disagreement among participants.Results.Fifty-five individual elements in 10 subgroups were proposed to the Delphi participants: measures of RA disease activity; dates to calculate waiting times, disease duration, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug start; comorbidities; smoking status; patient-reported pain and fatigue; physical function; laboratory and radiographic investigations; medications; clinical characteristics; and vaccines. All groups were included in the final set, with the exception of vaccination status. Additionally, 3 individual elements from the smoking subgroup were eliminated with a recommendation to record smoking status as never/ever/current, and 2 elements relating to coping and effect of fatigue were eliminated due to low feasibility and importance ratings.Conclusion.The CAN-RACCD stands as a national recommendation on which data elements should be routinely collected in clinical practice to monitor and support high-quality RA care.

Objective.To develop preliminary treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) for Canadian daily practice.Methods.A task force composed of expert Canadian dermatologists and rheumatologists performed a needs assessment among Canadian clinicians treating these diseases as well as an extensive literature search on the outcome measures used in clinical trials and practice.Results.Based on results from the needs assessment and literature search, the task force established 5 overarching principles and developed 8 preliminary T2T recommendations.Conclusion.The proposed recommendations should improve management of psoriasis and PsA in Canadian daily practice. However, these recommendations must be further validated in a real-world observational study to ensure that their use leads to better longterm outcomes.

Objective.To assess the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes in patients with early inflammatory arthritis, using data from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) study.Methods.In an incident cohort, 2023 patients were recruited, and allocated to low SES or high SES groups based on education and income. Outcomes at baseline and 12 months were analyzed in relation to SES including the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), pain, patient’s global assessment scale (PtGA), the Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and the SF12-v2 Health Survey, using the ANOVA, chi-squared test, and regression analyses.Results.The CATCH population had 43% with high school education or less and 37% in the low-income group (< 50,000 Can$ per annum household income). The low-education group had higher DAS28 at baseline (p = 0.045), becoming nonsignificant at 12 months and lower physical component score on SF12-v2 at baseline (p = 0.022). Patients in the low-income group presented with higher HAQ-DI (p = 0.017), pain (p = 0.035), PtGA (p = 0.004), and SDAI (p = 0.022). Low-income versus high-income groups were associated with an OR above the median for HAQ-DI (1.20; 95% CI 1.00–1.45), PtGA (1.27; 95% CI 1.06–1.53), and SDAI (1.25; 95% CI 1.02–1.52) at baseline. The association with low income persisted at 12 months for HAQ-DI (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.02–1.67), but not for other variables.Conclusion.Low SES was initially associated with higher disease activity, pain, and PtGA, and poorer function. At 1 year, outcomes were similar to those with high SES, with the exception of HAQ-DI.

Background : We assessed factors associated with cancer risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), relative to the general population, using a large international multi-centre clinical cohort (30 centres, 16,409 patients). Methods : Cancers were ascertained by registry linkage. We used Poisson hierarchical regression to assess for potential independent effects of sex, race/ethnicity, age group, SLE duration, and calendar-year period on the standardized incidence ratios (SIR; ratio of cancers observed to expected). The hierarchical model allowed for differences in effects across countries. The primary regression analyses were done using the overall cancer SIRs; in secondary analyses we focused on hematological cancer SIRs. Results : In adjusted analyses, we demonstrated lower SIR estimates for overall cancer risk, in black versus white SLE patients, in SLE patients of older versus younger age, and for patients with SLE duration of 5 years or more (versus lower duration). Female sex and calendar year were not clearly associated. Regarding hematological cancers specifically, SLE duration of 5 years or more again appeared to be associated with lower SIR estimates. Conclusion : Cancer risk in SLE is increased relative to the general population; this is particularly true for patients of white race/ethnicity, younger age, and of shorter SLE duration.

Objective.To evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of sustained remission in an early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) population. Predictive factors of sustained remission in ERA are unknown. We hypothesized that a short time to remission is an important predictor of sustained clinical remission.Methods.Patients in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort were included. Remission was defined by Boolean-based American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism clinical trial and clinical practice definitions and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of sustained remission and influence of time to remission.Results.Of 1840 patients, 633 (34%) achieved clinical trial remission, 759 (41%) clinical practice remission, and 727 (39%) SDAI remission. Over half of those meeting remission criteria achieved sustained remission based on clinical trial (55%), clinical practice (60%), and/or SDAI (58%). Corticosteroid use and lack of initial disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) were associated with decreased probability of sustained remission, while initial combination DMARD increased this probability. Female sex, greater pain, and longer time to first remission made sustained remission less likely.Conclusion.Female sex, greater pain, and lack of initial DMARD therapy reduced the probability of sustained remission. A shorter time to remission is related to sustainability and supports striving for early remission.

Objective To examine the association between smoking and cutaneous involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We analyzed data from a multicenter Canadian SLE cohort. Mucocutaneous involvement was recorded at the most recent visit using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 Update (rash, alopecia, and oral ulcers), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (alopecia, extensive scarring, and skin ulceration), and the ACR revised criteria for SLE (malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, and mucosal involvement). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the independent association between mucocutaneous involvement and cigarette smoking, age, sex, ethnicity, lupus duration, medications, and laboratory data. Results In our cohort of 1,346 patients (91.0% women), the mean ± SD age was 47.1 ± 14.3 years and the mean ± SD disease duration was 13.2 ± 10.0 years. In total, 41.2% of patients were ever smokers, 14.0% current smokers, and 27.1% past smokers. Active mucocutaneous manifestations occurred in 28.4% of patients; cutaneous damage occurred in 15.4%. Regarding the ACR criteria, malar rash was noted in 59.5%, discoid rash in 16.9%, and photosensitivity in 55.7% of patients. In the multivariate analysis, current smoking was associated with active SLE rash (odds ratio [OR] 1.63 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.07, 2.48]). Having ever smoked was associated with ACR discoid rash (OR 2.36 [95% CI 1.69, 3.29]) and photosensitivity (OR 1.47 [95% CI 1.11, 1.95]), and with the ACR total cutaneous score (OR 1.50 [95% CI 1.22, 1.85]). We did not detect any associations between previous smoking and active cutaneous manifestations. No association was found between smoking and cutaneous damage or mucosal ulcers. No interaction was seen between smoking and antimalarials. Conclusion Current smoking is associated with active SLE rash, and ever smoking with the ACR total cutaneous score. This provides additional motivation for smoking cessation in SLE.

To determine whether socioeconomic status assessed by education is associated with disease activity and the risk of organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Data from the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus, a multicenter database of adult SLE patients, was used to compare education as either low (did not complete high school) or high (completed high school or further) for disease activity and damage. Education was also studied as a continuous variable. The relationships between education and SLE outcomes (any organ damage defined as a Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI] score ≥1, serious organ damage [SDI score ≥3], and end-stage renal disease) were evaluated using logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and disease duration.A total of 562 SLE patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 47 years, 91% female, and mean disease duration of 10 years); 81% had high education. The low education group was twice as likely to be work disabled (30%; P 0.0001); they had higher disease activity and reduced renal function. Linear regression analysis revealed that low education was significantly associated with higher disease activity at enrollment into the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus database, after adjustment for age (at entry and at diagnosis), race/ethnicity, and sex (B 1.255 + 0.507 [SE], β = 0.115, P = 0.014). In our adjusted logistic regression models we were unable to demonstrate significant associations between education and SLE damage. Results did not change when varying the education variable.In this cohort, low education was associated cross-sectionally with higher disease activity and work disability, but not damage.

Objective.Current clinical trial designs for pharmacologic interventions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not reflect the innovations in RA diagnosis, treatment, and care in countries where new drugs are most often used. The objective of this project was to recommend revised entry criteria and other study design features for RA clinical trials.Methods.Recommendations were developed using a modified nominal group consensus method. Canadian Rheumatology Research Consortium (CRRC) members were polled to rank the greatest challenges to clinical trial recruitment in their practices. Initial recommendations were developed by an expert panel of rheumatology trialists and other experts. A scoping study methodology was then used to examine the evidence available to support or refute each initial recommendation. The potential influence of CRRC recommendations on primary outcomes in future trials was examined. Recommendations were finalized using a consensus process.Results.Recommendations for clinical trial inclusion criteria addressed measures of disease activity [Disease Activity Score 28 using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) > 3.2 PLUS ≥ 3 tender joints using 28-joint count (TJC28) PLUS ≥ 3 swollen joint (SJC28) OR C-reactive protein (CRP) or ESR > upper limit of normal PLUS ≥ 3 TJC28 PLUS ≥ 3 SJC28], functional classification, disease classification and duration, and concomitant RA treatments. Additional recommendations regarding study design addressed rescue strategies and longterm extension.Conclusion.There is an urgent need to modify clinical trial inclusion criteria and other study design features to better reflect the current characteristics of people living with RA in the countries where the new drugs will be used.

The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Cananda (SPARCC) is a transdiscliplinary research network of investigators interested in spondyloarthritis. The group has been supported by a new research initiative by The Arthritis Society. SPARCC aims to address the genetic basis of susceptibility of the disease and develop and validate clinical and imaging outcomes to assess disease activity and structural damage over time, the response to therapy, and the clinical burden of illness in terms of quality of life and disability. The first step was to develop a database that would allow ascertainment of phenotype for genetic studies, as well as accurate and detailed longitudinal information for disease expression and outcome studies. This article describes the SPARCC database and outlines difficulties and possible solutions for maintaining such a database.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. Multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. Recent genome-wide association studies have added substantially to the number of genes associated with SLE. To replicate some of these susceptibility loci, single-nucleotide polymorphisms reported to be associated to SLE were evaluated in a cohort of 245 well-phenotyped Canadian SLE trios. Our results replicate previously reported associations to alleles of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), major histocompatibility complex (MHC), tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4), Kell blood group complex subunit-related family member 6 (XKR6), B-cell scaffold protein with ankyrin repeats 1 (BANK1), protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2L 3 (UBE2L3) and islet cell autoantigen 1 (ICA1). We also identify putative associations to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), a gene associated with several autoimmune disorders, and ERBB3, a locus on 12q13 that was previously reported to be associated with type 1 diabetes. This study confirms the existence of multiple genetic risk factors for SLE, and supports the notion that some risk factors for SLE are shared with other inflammatory disorders.

Our study sought to identify barriers to optimal care for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our study was set in a population with universal access to comprehensive health care in the context of a university hospital health network. Using purposive sampling, we invited RA patients, health professionals, and decision makers from urban and rural regions to participate in structured focus group interviews. Content analysis was performed to determine themes emerging from the data. We identified four general themes. First, initial barriers to optimal care for people begin before primary care contact, at the level of the general population and/or related to primary care access. Second, many factors (at the patient, physician, and system level) influenced how quickly a patient is referred from primary to specialty care. Third, after referral, multiple comanagement issues influence patient outcomes. Fourth, optimizing RA care requires adequate resources. Participants emphasized the need for more education (of patients, of health care providers, and within the general community), better communication between and among patients and health care providers, and more efficient use of existing resources. Our work provides insights regarding barriers to and facilitators of optimal care in RA. Further work with these stakeholder groups in our health care region will examine potential solutions and the feasibility of their implementation. Our work provides an example of how research can assist stakeholder leaders in creating structured and incremental plans to improve health care delivery for persons with chronic diseases like RA.

Objective.Pleuritis is a common manifestation and independent predictor of mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined the prevalence of pleuritis and factors associated with pleuritis in a multicenter Canadian SLE cohort.Methods.We studied consecutive adults satisfying the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE who had a completed Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI) score, at least 1 evaluable extractable nuclear antigen assay, and either a SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) or a SLE Activity Measure score. Pleuritis was defined as having pleuritis by satisfying the ACR criteria or the SLEDAI. Factors related to pleuritis were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results.In our cohort of 876 patients, 91% were women, 65% Caucasian, mean age (± SD) was 46.8 ± 13.5 years, and disease duration at study entry was 12.1 ± 9.9 years; the prevalence of pleuritis was 34% (n = 296). Notably, greater disease duration (p = 0.002), higher SDI score (p ≤ 0.0001), age at SLE diagnosis (p = 0.009), and anti-Sm (p = 0.002) and anti-RNP (p = 0.002) seropositivity were significantly associated with pleuritis. In multivariate analysis with adjustment for disease duration, age at diagnosis, and SDI score, concomitant seropositivity for RNP and Sm were related to a nearly 2-fold greater prevalence of pleuritis (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.31–2.82).Conclusion.Pleuritis occurred in one-third of this Canadian cohort. Concomitant Sm and RNP seropositivity, greater cumulative damage, longer disease duration, and younger age at SLE disease onset were related to a higher rate of SLE pleural disease.

Objectives To report results of subgroup analyses of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study of denosumab, an investigational RANKL inhibitor, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) concurrently receiving treatment with bisphosphonates or glucocorticoids. Methods Patients received subcutaneous placebo (n=75), denosumab 60 mg (n=71) or denosumab 180 mg (n=72) at baseline and 6 months. Assessments included dual x-ray absorptiometry scans of the lumbar spine and hip, and determination of levels of serum type I C-telopeptide (sCTx-I) and serum procollagen 1N-terminal peptide (P1NP). Results Denosumab treatment increased mean lumbar spine and hip BMD and reduced sCTx-I and P1NP compared with placebo through 12 months, regardless of baseline BMD or marker levels or concomitant bisphosphonate or glucocorticoid use. Conclusions This study extends evidence that denosumab increases BMD and reduces bone turnover in patients with RA and may provide a new therapeutic option for reducing systemic bone loss in patients with RA.

Objective: To characterize sleep complaints and identify biopsychosocial factors associated with sleep problems in patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA). Methods: The sample comprised 125 patients with SpA. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing depressed mood, perceived stress, leisure time physical activity, functional disability and disease activity. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were computed to examine the determinants of the following sleep parameters: quality, latency, duration and efficiency. Results: The mean global PSQI score was 8.7 (SD = 5.0), with 69% of the sample classified as poor sleepers (PSQI global score >5). Worse functional status was associated with poorer sleep quality (p = 0.006), longer sleep latency (p = 0.004), shorter sleep duration (p = 0.001) and poorer sleep efficiency (p = 0.004). Higher depressed mood scores emerged in the multivariate analyses as a significant determinant of poorer sleep quality (p = 0.010), shorter sleep duration (p = 0.007) and poorer sleep efficiency (p = 0.006). Higher perceived stress was an independent contributor of poorer sleep quality (p = 0.033). The relationships between worse functional status and poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration were more pronounced for participants who completed the questionnaires in the English language. Conclusions: Sleep problems are prevalent among patients with SpA. Our findings suggest that multiple factors are associated with sleep complaints in persons with SpA with functional status, depressed mood and stress differentially contributing to specific sleep parameters. Multimodal interventions, which include non-pharmacological methods targeting these biopsychosocial factors, require evaluation to optimize the management of sleep disruptions in SpA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective.To describe disease expression and damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and determine the influence of ethnicity and socioeconomic factors on damage accrual in a large multiethnic Canadian cohort.Methods.Adults with SLE were enrolled in a multicenter cohort. Data on sociodemographic factors, diagnostic criteria, disease activity, autoantibodies, treatment, and damage were collected using standardized tools, and results were compared across ethnic groups. We analyzed baseline data, testing for differences in sociodemographic and clinical factors, between the different ethnic groups, in univariate analyses; significant variables from univariate analyses were included in multivariate regression models examining for differences between ethnic groups, related to damage scores.Results.We studied 1416 patients, including 826 Caucasians, 249 Asians, 122 Afro-Caribbeans, and 73 Aboriginals. Although the overall number of American College of Rheumatology criteria in different ethnic groups was similar, there were differences in individual manifestations and autoantibody profiles. Asian and Afro-Caribbean patients had more frequent renal involvement and more exposure to immunosuppressives. Aboriginal patients had high frequencies of antiphospholipid antibodies and high rates of comorbidity, but disease manifestations similar to Caucasians. Asian patients had the youngest age at onset and the lowest damage scores. Aboriginals had the least education and lowest incomes. The final regression model (R2= 0.27) for higher damage score included older age, longer disease duration, low income, prednisone treatment, higher disease activity, and cyclophosphamide treatment.Conclusion.There are differences in lupus phenotypes between ethnic populations. Although ethnicity was not found to be a significant independent predictor of damage accrual, low income was.

Objectives. To adapt the self-administered comorbidity questionnaire (SCQ) into the Early Inflammatory Arthritis—SCQ (EIA-SCQ) and assess its clinimetric properties in EIA. Methods. The EIA-SCQ and indices of disease activity, function, pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health resource utilization were administered to 320 patients with EIA. Twenty patients completed the EIA-SCQ a second time 1 week later. Construct validity was evaluated by testing the hypotheses that a valid comorbidity index would correlate well with age, weakly with HRQoL and recent resource utilization and poorly with indices of disease activity, function and pain. Results. The intra-class correlation coefficient between repeat scores was 0.93 (95% CI 0.83–0.97). Kappa values for individual items ranged from 0.64 to 1.0. EIA-SCQ scores correlated moderately with age (Tau B ¼ 0.29, P < 0.001) and weakly with function (HAQ-DI Tau B ¼ 0.09, P ¼ 0.03), pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire Tau B ¼ 0.09, P ¼ 0.05), some measures of HRQoL [the SF-36 mental component score (MCS) Tau B ¼� 0.08, P < 0.05; World Health Organization Disease Assessment Schedule II score Tau B ¼ 0.09, P ¼ 0.03] and a measure of resource utilization (number of tests in the last 4 months Tau B ¼ 0.10, P ¼ 0.04). The EIA-SCQ did not correlate with other measures of disease activity, another HRQoL measure [SF-36 physical component score (PCS)] or other measures of resource utilization. Conclusions. The EIA-SCQ is reliable and valid for use in EIA. It has the potential to become a useful measure of comorbidity in outcome studies of EIA when the resources for a full medical chart review are unavailable.

Objective: In a multicentre study to explore the effects of licofelone as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug in comparison with naproxen in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), using MRI and x -ray examination. Methods: Patients with knee OA (n = 355) were randomised to receive either licofelone (200 mg twice a day) or naproxen (500 mg twice a day). MRI and x -ray examinations were performed at baseline, 6 months (MRI only), 12 and 24 months. MRI was used to assess quantitatively changes in cartilage volume, and x -ray examinations (Lyon–Schuss) to measure changes in the mean and minimum joint space width (JSW) in the medial compartment. Questionnaires probing symptoms were completed. Data were presented as intention to treat (ITT) and according to protocol (ATP). Results: Cartilage volume loss in the global joint and medial and lateral compartments was significantly less in the licofelone than in the naproxen group for ITT at 12 and 24 months and for ATP at all times except in the medial compartment. Patients with medial meniscal extrusion had a greater loss of cartilage volume. In these patients, licofelone markedly reduced the cartilage loss for both ITT and ATP at 12 and 24 months. Although licofelone showed less reduction in the JSW than naproxen, this did not reach significance. All clinical variables were improved at 24 months (p Conclusion: Licofelone and naproxen were equally effective in reducing OA symptoms; however, licofelone significantly reduced cartilage volume loss over time, thus having a protective effect in patients with knee OA. This study proves the superiority of quantitative MRI over x -ray examinations in a multicentre clinical trial.

Objective.To develop system-level performance measures for evaluating the care of patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.Methods.This study involved several methodological phases. Over multiple rounds, various participants were asked to help define a set of candidate measurement themes. A systematic search was conducted of existing guidelines and measures. A set of 6 performance measures was defined and presented to 50 people, including patients with IA, rheumatologists, allied health professionals, and researchers using a 3-round, online, modified Delphi process. Participants rated the validity, feasibility, relevance, and likelihood of use of the measures. Measures with median ratings ≥ 7 for validity and relevance were included in the final set.Results.Six performance measures were developed evaluating the following aspects of care, with each measure being applied separately for each type of IA except where specified: waiting times for rheumatology consultation for patients with new onset IA, percentage of patients with IA seen by a rheumatologist, percentage of patients with IA seen in yearly followup by a rheumatologist, percentage of patients with RA treated with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), time to DMARD therapy in RA, and number of rheumatologists per capita.Conclusion.The first set of system-level performance measures for IA care in Canada has been developed with broad input. The measures focus on timely access to care and initiation of appropriate treatment for patients with IA, and are likely to be of interest to other arthritis care systems internationally.

Objectives: To compare the EULAR and SDAI50 response measures (RMs) and their impact on future response to treatment in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). Methods: Biologic naive ERA patients from the Canadian early ArThritis CoHort (CATCH) with complete data at baseline, 3 and 6 months were evaluated. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate the agreement between the EULAR (moderate or good response) and SDAI50 RMs. The RMs at 3 months were also compared for their ability to predict low disease activity state (LDAS) or remission (REM) at 6 months. Results: A total of 1124 patients were evaluated. Of those, 215 (30%) and 294 (45%) patients failed to achieve a EULAR and SDAI50 RMs respectively. There was a good agreement between EULAR and SDAI50 RMs with a Kappa of 0.59 (95% CI 0.53- 0.66). Throughout the range of disease activity, the SDAI50 response was shown to be more stringent than the EULAR response. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that both RMs at 3 months were associated with LDAS or REM at 6 months and SDAI50 had a more significant impact on the this outcome compared to the EULAR response. Conclusion: There is a good agreement between the EULAR and SDAI50 RMs. Although a minority of patients have discordant RMs at each end of the disease activity spectrum at baseline, the SDAI50 response at 3 month appears to be a more significant predictor of outcomes at 6 months than EULAR response. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The objective of this study was to examine mortality rates related to cerebrovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to the general population. Our sample was a multisite Canadian SLE cohort (10 centres, n = 2688 patients). Deaths due to cerebrovascular disease were ascertained by vital statistics registry linkage using ICD diagnostic codes. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR, ratio of deaths observed to expected) estimates were calculated. The total SMR for death due to cerebrovascular disease was 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0, 3.7). When considering specific types of events, the category with the greatest increased risk was that of ill-defined cerebrovascular events (SMR 44.9, 95% CI 9.3, 131.3) and other cerebrovascular disease (SMR 8.4, 95% CI 2.3, 21.6). Deaths due to cerebral infarctions appeared to be less common than hemorrhages and other types of cerebrovascular events. Our data suggest an increase in mortality related to cerebrovascular disease in SLE patients compared to the general population. The large increase in illdefined cerebrovascular events may represent cases of cerebral vasculitis or other rare forms of nervous system disease; alternately, it may reflect diagnostic uncertainty regarding the etiology of some clinical presentations in SLE patients. The suggestion that more deaths are attributed to cerebral hemorrhage, as opposed to infarction, indicates that inherent or iatrogenic factors (eg, thrombocytopenia or anticoagulation) may be important. In view of the paucity of large-scale studies of mortality attributed to neuropsychiatric outcomes in SLE, our findings highlight the need for additional research in large SLE cohorts.

Objective. There is increasing evidence in support of an association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and malignancy, but in earlier studies the association could not be quantified precisely. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the incidence of cancer in SLE patients, compared with that in the general population. Methods. We assembled a multisite (23 centers) international cohort of patients diagnosed as having SLE. Patients at each center were linked to regional tumor registries to determine cancer occurrence. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated as the ratio of observed to expected cancers. Cancers expected were determined by multiplying person-years in the cohort by the geographically matched age, sex, and calendar year-specific cancer rates, and summing over all person-years. Results. The 9,547 patients from 23 centers were observed for a total of 76,948 patient-years, with an average followup of 8 years. Within the observation interval, 431 cancers occurred. The data confirmed an increased risk of cancer among patients with SLE. For all cancers combined, the SIR estimate was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.05-1.27), for all hematologic malignancies, it was 2.75 (95% CI 2.13-3.49), and for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, it was 3.64 (95% CI 2.63-4.93). The data also suggested an increased risk of lung cancer (SIR 1.37; 95% CI 1.05-1.76), and hepatobiliary cancer (SIR 2.60; 95% CI 1.25, 4.78). Conclusion. These results support the notion of an association between SLE and cancer and more precisely define the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in SLE. It is not yet known whether this association is mediated by genetic factors or exogenous exposures.

ObjectiveTo describe the minimal disease activity (MDA) rate over time in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) receiving antitumour necrosis factor agents, evaluate prognostic factors of MDA achievement and identify the most common unmet criteria among MDA achievers.DesignBiologic Treatment Registry Across Canada (BioTRAC): ongoing, prospective registry of patients initiating treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or PsA with infliximab (IFX), golimumab (GLM) or ustekinumab.Setting46 primary-care Canadian rheumatology practices.Participants223 patients with PsA receiving IFX (enrolled since 2005) and GLM (enrolled since 2010) with available MDA information at baseline, 6 months and/or 12 months.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMDA was defined as ≥5 of the following criteria: 28-item tender joint count (TJC28) ≤1, 28-item swollen joint count (SJC28) ≤1, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≤1 or body surface area≤3, Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ≤15 mm, patient’s global assessment (PtGA) (VAS) ≤20 mm, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) ≤0.5, tender entheseal points ≤1. Independent prognostic factors of MDA achievement were assessed with multivariate logistic regression.ResultsMDA was achieved by 11.7% of patients at baseline, 43.5% at 6 months, 44.8% at 12 months and 48.8% at either 6 or 12 months. Among MDA achievers at 6 months, 75.7% had sustained MDA at 12 months. Lower baseline HAQ (OR=0.210; 95% CI: 0.099 to 0.447) and lower TJC28 (OR=0.880; 95% CI: 0.804 to 0.964), were significant prognostic factors of MDA achievement over 12 months of treatment. The most commonly unmet MDA criteria among MDA achievers was patient reported pain (25%), PtGA (15%) and PASI (12%).ConclusionsAlmost 50% of patients treated with IFX or GLM in routine clinical care achieved MDA within the first year of treatment. Lower baseline HAQ and lower TJC28, were identified as significant prognostic factors of MDA achievement. The most commonly unmet criteria in patients who achieved MDA were pain, PtGA and PASI.Trial registration numberBioTRAC (NCT00741793).

Studies suggest that hormonal states affect disease characteristics in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated how age at menopause affects disease in women presenting with early RA.This was a cross-sectional study of postmenopausal women with early RA under age 65 years at time of enrollment in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort. RA-related disease characteristics in women who had early age at menopause (EM; age at menopause45 years) were compared to those who had usual age at menopause (age at menopause ≥45 years). The t-test was applied to continuous variables and the chi-square test to categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for age at menopause, smoking, and use of exogenous hormones.A total of 534 women were included; 93 were in the EM group. The age at RA onset was similar between groups. The EM group had higher mean patient global and pain scores and was more likely to be rheumatoid factor (RF) positive and meet the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA. Using multivariate logistic regression, the EM group was more likely to be RF positive (odds ratio 2.2 [95% confidence interval 1.3-3.8], P = 0.005). Symptom duration, joint counts, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, Health Assessment Questionnaire scores, and inflammatory markers did not differ between groups.These data suggest that early age at menopause, compared to usual age at menopause, is associated with seropositivity in women with early RA.

Objectives Hospitalization is a major factor in health care costs and a surrogate for worse outcomes in chronic disease. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hospitalization secondary to lupus flare, the causes of hospitalization, and to determine risk factors for hospitalization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Data were collected as part of the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus, a prospective cohort study, where annual major lupus flares including hospitalizations were recorded over a 3-year period. Results Of 665 patients with available hospitalization histories, 68 reported hospitalization related to a SLE flare over 3 years of follow-up. The average annual hospitalization rate was 7.6% (range 6.6–8.9%). The most common reasons for hospitalization were: hematologic (22.1%), serositis (20.6%), musculoskeletal (MSK) (16.2%), and renal (14.7%). Univariate risk factors for lupus hospitalization included (OR [95% CI]; p 25 mm/hr (1.9 [1.1–3.4]), proteinuria >0.5 g/d (4.2 [1.9–9.3], and SLAM-2 score (1.1 [1.0–1.2]). After multivariate regression only BMI, number of ACR criteria, and psychosis were associated with hospitalization for lupus flare. Conclusions The mean annual rate of hospitalization attributed to lupus was lower than expected. Hematologic, serositis, MSK and renal were the most common reasons. In a regression model elevated BMI, more ACR criteria and psychosis were associated with hospitalization.

Background The prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is 2–3 times higher in men compared to women. Recent studies have suggested that clinical differences exist between both genders with women experiencing a higher burden of disease. Objectives This analysis examined gender-specific differences with respect to patient and disease parameters at initiation of infliximab (IFX) or golimumab (GLM) for the treatment of AS in a Canadian routine clinical practice setting. Methods BioTRAC is an ongoing, prospective registry of patients initiating treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis with IFX or GLM. Patients with AS treated with IFX who were enrolled since 2002 or with GLM enrolled since 2010 were included in this analysis. Between group differences were assessed with the Fisher9s Exact test or the independent samples t-test, while linear regression was used to assess the independent association of gender with HAQ-DI, ASDAS, BASDAI, and BASFI improvements at 12 months. Results A total of 539 AS patients were included in this analysis; 188 (34.9%) patients were treated with GLM and 351 (65.1%) with IFX. The majority of patients were male (61.8%). Mean age and disease duration were comparable between genders for both GLM and IFX, (Table 1). Overall, disease parameters (ESR, PtGA, MDGA, HAQ-DI, ASDAS, and BASFI) were similar for GLM with the exception of BASDAI where higher disease severity was observed among females. Among patients treated with IFX, between gender differences were observed for CRP with significantly lower levels in female patients; however BASDAI and HAQ-DI where significantly higher in females compared to males. Other parameters (ESR, PtGA, MDGA, ASDAS, and BASFI) were similar for IFX between genders. Regression analysis showed that, upon adjusting for baseline levels, female gender (ΔBASDAI=0.603; P=0.035) was associated with increased BASDAI at 12 months of treatment as compare to males. HAQ-DI, ASDAS, and BASFI, on the other hand, at 12 months were comparable between genders. Conclusions Overall, at anti-TNF initiation, female AS patients experience greater disease activity relative to men at initiation of biologic therapy. Whether this represents a gender bias in prescribing, or a gender based difference in the acceptance of biologic treatment or disease assessment, requires additional research. Disclosure of Interest M. Starr: None declared, M. Zummer: None declared, D. Choquette: None declared, B. Haraoui: None declared, P. Rahman: None declared, M. Sheriff: None declared, E. Rampakakis Employee of: JSS Medical Research Inc;, E. Psaradellis Employee of: JSS Medical Research Inc;, B. Osborne Employee of: Janssen, A. Lehman Employee of: Janssen, K. Maslova Employee of: Janssen, F. Nantel Employee of: Janssen, C. Tkaczyk Employee of: Janssen

Background Recent studies have suggested that early and aggressive treatment of spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), may be associated with favorable patient outcomes, reducing synovial inflammation, delaying joint damage, and maintaining functional status. Objectives The objective of this analysis was to determine the predictive factors of ASDAS remission in AS patients treated with infliximab (IFX) or golimumab (GLM) in a Canadian routine clinical care setting. Methods BioTRAC is an ongoing, prospective registry of patients initiating treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis with IFX or GLM. Eligible patients for this analysis included AS patients treated with IFX or GLM between 2005 and 2015. Variables associated with ASDAS remission ( Results A total of 582 patients were included in the analysis with a mean (SD) age of 45.8 (12.2) years and a disease duration of 8.3 (10.2) years. The majority of patients were male (57.2%). Upon 12 months of treatment statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed in ASDAS (3.6 vs. 2.3; P Conclusions Twelve-month treatment with IFX or GLM in a real-world setting was associated with significant improvements in disease parameters. Prior exposure to a biologic and lower HAQ-DI were identified as independent predictors of ASDAS remission upon adjusting for potential confounders. Disclosure of Interest L. Bessette: None declared, S. Kapur: None declared, M. Zummer: None declared, M. Starr: None declared, D. Choquette: None declared, M. Sheriff: None declared, W. Olszynski: None declared, E. Rampakakis Employee of: JSS Medical Research Inc;, E. Psaradellis Employee of: JSS Medical Research Inc;, B. Osborne Employee of: Janssen, K. Maslova Employee of: Janssen, F. Nantel Employee of: Janssen, A. Lehman Employee of: Janssen, C. Tkaczyk Employee of: Janssen

Background Dactylitis is one of the most commonly reported features in spondyloarthritis. It has been hypothesized that dactylitis is a functional enthesitis at the proximal interphalangeal joints, resulting in synovitis, tenosynovitis, bone and soft tissue oedema to the digit, and may simultaneously involve more than one digit. Objectives Our objective was to identify the location of dactylitis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and to determine their response to anti-TNF treatment. Methods BioTRAC is an ongoing, prospective registry of patients initiating treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with infliximab (IFX) or golimumab (GLM). Eligible people for this analysis included AS and PsA patients treated with IFX who were enrolled since 2005 or with GLM enrolled since 2010 who had available information on dactylitis. The McNemar (paired Chi-square) test was used to compare the presence of dactylitis over time. Results A total of 260 AS patients and 261 PsA patients were enrolled with a mean (SD) age at baseline of 46.1 (13.0) vs. 50.0 (12.0) years, disease duration of 6.4 (9.8) vs. 5.2 (6.8) years, and proportion of females 40.6% vs. 48.5%, respectively. Among patients with AS, dactylitis was reported in 6.2% and 2.2% of patients at baseline and 6 months, respectively; at 6 months of treatment 73.3% of AS patients with dactylitis at baseline had no dactylitis and 1.6% developed dactylitis (P=0.057). For PsA higher proportions of dactylitis were observed with 30.7%, and 12.7%, respectively; at 6 months of treatment 69.0% of PsA patients with dactylitis at baseline had no dactylitis and 4.6% developed dactylitis (P Presence of dactylitis in hands or feet (any digit) was associated with significantly higher HAQ in AS and PsA (AS: ΔHAQ=1.36 (P≤0.001); PsA: ΔHAQ=0.64 (P≤0.001)). Conclusions A considerable proportion of PsA patients had dactylitis at anti-TNF initiation in this Canadian real-world cohort. Although a lower proportion of patients had dactylitis among AS patients, the presence of dactylitis was associated with higher functional disability in both AS and PsA patients. Treatment with IFX or GLM for 6 months was associated with significant reduction in the prevalence of dactylitis. Disclosure of Interest R. Arendse: None declared, P. Rahman: None declared, J. A. Avina-Zubieta: None declared, D. Choquette: None declared, M. Zummer: None declared, M. Baker: None declared, J. Stewart: None declared, I. Fortin: None declared, M. Teo: None declared, E. Rampakakis: None declared, E. Psaradellis: None declared, B. Osborne Employee of: Janssen Inc. Canada, C. Tkaczyk Employee of: Janssen Inc. Canada, K. Maslova Employee of: Janssen Inc. Canada, F. Nantel Employee of: Janssen Inc. Canada, A. Lehman Employee of: Janssen Inc. Canada

Background Recent treat-to-target guidelines in PsA recommend that minimal disease activity (MDA) is achieved as early as possible. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) have been criticized for not accurately assessing PsA disease activity as they may reflect aspects not directly related to PsA such as fibromyalgia, depression or other comorbidities. Objectives The aim of this analysis was to assess the proportion of patients failing to achieve MDA based on PROs in a real-world, routine clinical care setting in Canada. Methods BioTRAC is an ongoing, prospective registry of patients initiating treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or PsA with infliximab (IFX) or golimumab (GLM). Eligible participants for this analysis included those with PsA treated with IFX who were enrolled since 2005 or with GLM enrolled since 2010 and with available MDA information at baseline, 6 months, and/or 12 months. MDA was defined as the fulfillment of ≥5 of the following criteria: TJC28≤1, SJC28≤1, PASI≤1, pain (VAS)≤15 mm, PtGA (VAS)≤20 mm, HAQ≤0.5, tender entheseal points ≤1. Near MDA was defined as fulfillment of 4 criteria. Results A total of 196 PsA patients (51.4% male) were included with a mean (SD) age of 49.8 (11.1) years and disease duration since diagnosis of 5.4 (6.3) years. The majority (62.2%) received concomitant DMARD therapy. The proportion of patients with MDA at baseline, 6 months and 12 months was 11.7%, 43.5%, and 44.8%, respectively. Overall, achievement of each individual MDA criterion was: TJC28: 43.0% of cases; SJC28: 51.3%; PASI 68.7%; pain: 27.7%; PtGA: 34.9%; HAQ: 36.8%; entheseal points: 79.4%. Among the 309 instances of non-MDA, 51 (16.5%) were near MDA cases. The most common reason for non-MDA in near MDA cases was patient-reported pain (82.4%) followed by PtGA (68.6%), and HAQ-DI (60.8%). Assuming that these criteria were met (i.e., not included in the MDA formula), the total number of MDA instances would increase from 29.6% to 36.7% (HAQ), 37.6% (PtGA), and to 39.2% (pain). Conclusions The results of the current analysis have shown that, similar to prior analyses in RA, the most common limiting factors in achieving MDA in PsA are PROs, including PtGA, pain, and HAQ-DI, accounting for as many as 82.4% of near MDA cases. Further analyses are required to identify the determinants of the differences in PROs and clinical outcomes. Disclosure of Interest P. Rahman: None declared, A. Avina-Zubieta: None declared, R. Arendse: None declared, W. Bensen: None declared, P. Baer: None declared, J. Kelsall: None declared, M. Starr: None declared, J. Stewart: None declared, D. Sholter: None declared, M. Zummer: None declared, L. Picard: None declared, E. Rampakakis: None declared, E. Psaradellis: None declared, K. Masolova Employee of: Janssen, A. Lehman Employee of: Janssen, F. Nantel Employee of: Janssen, C. Tkaczyk Employee of: Janssen, B. Osborne Employee of: Janssen

Background Early achievement of minimal disease activity (MDA) is recommended as a valid treat-to-target approach in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Objectives The purpose of the current analysis was to evaluate predictors of MDA achievement in PsA patients treated with anti-TNF agents in Canadian routine clinical care. Methods BioTRAC is an ongoing, prospective registry of patients initiating treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or PsA with Infliximab (IFX) or Golimumab (GLM). Eligible people for this analysis included PsA patients treated with IFX who were enrolled since 2005 or with GLM enrolled since 2010 and with available MDA information at baseline, 6 months, and/or 12 months. MDA was defined as the fulfillment of ≥5 of the following criteria: TJC28≤1, SJC28≤1, PASI≤1, Pain (VAS)≤15mm, PtGA (VAS)≤20mm, HAQ ≤0.5, tender entheseal points ≤1. Independent predictors of MDA achievement were assessed with logistic regression. Results A total of 196 patients (51.4% male and 87.2% bionaive) were included with a mean (SD) age and disease duration of 49.8 (11.1) and 5.4 (6.3) years, respectively. The proportion of patients with MDA was 11.7% at baseline, 43.5% at 6 months, 44.8% at 12 months, and 49.1% at either 6 or 12 months. Among patients with MDA at 6 months, 75.7% had sustained MDA at 12 months. Patients achieving MDA during follow-up had significantly lower disease activity at baseline; mean (SD) disease parameters were: SJC28: 3.24 (3.58) vs. 5.47 (4.31), P Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower baseline HAQ (OR=0.243; P Conclusions The results of the current analysis have shown that 50% of patients treated with IFX or GLM in routine clinical care achieve MDA within the first year of treatment. Lower baseline HAQ, lower TJC28, and lower enthesitis count were identified as significant predictors of MDA achievement. Disclosure of Interest M. Zummer: None declared, P. Rahman: None declared, M. Starr: None declared, J. Kelsall: None declared, A. Avina-Zubieta: None declared, P. Baer: None declared, D. Sholter: None declared, M. Teo: None declared, E. Rampakakis Employee of: JSS Medical Research Inc;, E. Psaradellis Employee of: JSS Medical Research Inc;, B. Osborne Employee of: Janssen, K. Maslova Employee of: Janssen, F. Nantel Employee of: Janssen, A. Lehman Employee of: Janssen, C. Tkaczyk Employee of: Janssen

Objectives To describe the profile of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with infliximab in Canadian routine care and to assess the effectiveness and safety of infliximab in real world. Setting 46 primary care rheumatology practices across Canada. Participants 303 biological-naïve patients with AS or patients previously treated with a biological for

Objective: To update estimates of cancer risk in SLE relative to the general population. Methods: A multisite international SLE cohort was linked with regional tumor registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated as the ratio of observed to expected cancers. Results: Across 30 centres, 16,409 patients were observed for 121,283 (average 7.4) person years. In total, 644 cancers occurred. Some cancers, notably hematologic malignancies, were substantially increased (SIR 3.02, 95% confidence interval, CI, 2.48, 3.63), particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, NHL (SIR 4.39, 95% CI 3.46, 5.49) and leukemia. In addition, increased risks of cancer of the vulva (SIR 3.78, 95% CI 1.52, 7.78), lung (SIR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04, 1.60), thyroid (SIR 1.76, 95% CI 1.13, 2.61) and possibly liver (SIR 1.87, 95% CI 0.97, 3.27) were suggested. However, a decreased risk was estimated for breast (SIR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61-0.88), endometrial (SIR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.77), and possibly ovarian cancers (0.64, 95% Cl 0.34-1.10). The variability of comparative rates across different cancers meant that only a small increased risk was estimated across all cancers (SIR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.23). Conclusion: These data estimate only a small increased risk in SLE (versus the general population) for cancer over-all. However, there is clearly an increased risk of NHL and cancers of the vulva, lung, thyroid, and possibly liver. It remains unclear to what extent the association with NHL is mediated by innate versus exogenous factors. Similarly, the etiology of the decreased breast, endometrial, and possibly ovarian cancer risk is uncertain, though investigations are ongoing. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective.To determine the factors most strongly associated with an increase in therapy of early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA).Methods.Data from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) were included if the patient had ≥ 2 visits and baseline and 6 months data. A regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with treatment intensification.Results.Of 1145 patients with ERA, 790 met inclusion criteria; mean age was 53.4 years (SD 14.7), mean disease duration 6.1 months (SD 2.8), 75% were female, baseline Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) was 4.7 (SD 1.8) and 2.9 (SD 1.8) at 6 months for included patients. Univariate factors for intensifying treatment were physician global assessment (MDGA; OR 7.8 and OR 7.4 at 3 and 6 months, respectively, p < 0.0005), swollen joint count (SJC; OR 4.7 and OR 7.3 at 3 and 6 months, p < 0.0005), and DAS28 (OR 3.0 and OR 4.6 at 3 and 6 months, p < 0.0005). In the regression model only MDGA was strongly associated with treatment intensification (OR 1.5 and OR 1.2 at 3 and 6 months, p < 0.0005); DAS28 was not consistently predictive (OR 1.0, p = 0.987, and OR 1.2, p = 0.023, at 3 and 6 months). DAS28 was the reason for treatment intensification 2.3% of the time, compared to 51.7% for SJC, 49.9% for tender joint count, and 23.8% for MDGA. For the same SJC, larger joint involvement was more likely to influence treatment than small joints at 3 months (OR 1.4, p = 0.027).Conclusion.MDGA was strongly associated with an increase in treatment at 3 and 6 months in ERA, whereas DAS28 was not. Physicians rarely stated that DAS28 was the reason for increasing treatment.

Objective.We aimed to determine disease severity and treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in rheumatology practices in Canada through the PsA Assessment in Rheumatology (PAIR) study.Methods.Rheumatologists who were members of the Canadian Rheumatology Association were asked to complete a form for each patient addressing demographic questions, history, clinical examination, and patient-reported outcomes. Results were compared with a cohort seen in a PsA clinic during the same period.Results.From across Canada, 22 rheumatologists from 5 provinces submitted information about 233 consecutive patients with PsA [145 men (62.2%), 88 women (37.8%), mean age 53.2 yrs (± 12.7), 88.4% disease duration > 2 yrs]. A majority (80.7%) fulfilled ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria, and 30% had taken no disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Clinical joint damage was documented in 60% of the patients, active skin disease in 70%, and nail lesions in 32%. Only 22% were rated as having moderate to high disease activity, while 52% were rated as low disease activity and 26% were deemed in remission. The decision was based on joint counts, patient global assessment, physician global assessment, and acute-phase reactants. Twenty-seven percent of the patients were to have their medications changed based on the current visit, the majority for inadequate response to medications. Patients in the PAIR cohort had more inflamed joints but similar damage to those in the PsA clinic.Conclusion.Patients with PsA seen in regular rheumatology practice fulfill CASPAR criteria, have active disease, and more than half have joint damage. The majority have low activity or are in remission.