J Rheumatol
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To characterize hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) exposure in patients with rheumatic disease receiving longterm HCQ compared to target concentrations with reported antiviral activity against the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). ⋯ We found that the average patient receiving treatment with HCQ for rheumatic diseases, including children and non-pregnant/pregnant adults, are unlikely to achieve total serum or plasma concentrations shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Nevertheless, patients receiving HCQ long term may have tissue concentrations far exceeding that of serum/plasma. Because the therapeutic window for HCQ in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 is unknown, well-designed clinical trials that include patients with rheumatic disease are urgently needed to characterize the efficacy, safety, and target exposures for HCQ.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy by blocking inhibitory pathways of the immune system to fight cancer cells. Their use is often limited by the development of autoimmune toxicities, which can affect multiple organ systems and are referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAE). ⋯ Because immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly used for many types of cancer, it is important for oncologists and rheumatologists to recognize and manage toxicities early. In this review, we discuss currently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors and their mechanisms of action and systemic toxicities, with a focus on the management and effect on further cancer therapy of rheumatic irAE.
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Core outcome set (COS) is the minimum set of outcome domains that should be measured and reported in clinical trials. We analyzed outcome domains, prevalence of use of COS published by Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative, outcome measures for outcome domains recommended by OMERACT COS, duration and size of randomized controlled trials (RCT) testing nonsurgical interventions for osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Suboptimal use of recommended COS and heterogeneity of outcome measures is reducing quality and comparability of OA trials and hinders conclusions about efficacy and comparative efficacy of nonsurgical interventions. Interventions for improving study design of trials in this field would be beneficial.
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To evaluate the association of sleep quality, sleep duration, and fatigue with hip pain exacerbations in persons with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Poor sleep quality and greater fatigue were related to pain exacerbation in persons with symptomatic hip OA. Sleep disorders and fatigue should be considered when dealing with pain exacerbations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Sarilumab on Rheumatoid Arthritis as Reported by Patients Using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease Scale.
We evaluated the effect of sarilumab on patient-perceived impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the 7-domain RA Impact of Disease (RAID) scale. ⋯ Based on the RAID, sarilumab + csDMARD or as monotherapy reduced the effect of RA on patients' lives to a greater extent than placebo + csDMARD or ADA monotherapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01709578 and NCT02332590).