-
Archives of Physical Medicine and... Jun 2024This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of exercise therapy for Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of exercise therapy for Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients.
DATA SOURCES
From the database inception to March 2024, we searched PubMed (via Medline), Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus for all relevant publications without any language restriction.
STUDY SELECTION
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for axSpA patients in which at least one group received exercise therapy.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the literature using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. The outcomes were ankylosing spondylitis (AS) disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath AS functional index (BASFI), Bath AS metrology index (BASMI), 6-minute walk distance (6MWT), Chest expansion capacity, Peak oxygen consumption (VOpeak), pain, fatigue, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Eythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 20 RCTs, including 1,670 patients, were included in this study. Compared with the control group, exercise therapy improved BASFI (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.65 to -0.32, I= 3.4%, P=0.414), BASMI (WMD: -0.49, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.11, I= 71.9%, P=0.679), BASDAI (WMD: -0.78, 95% CI: -1.08, -0.47, I=55.9%, P=0.021), ASDAS (WMD: -0.44, 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.24, I =0.0%, P=0.424), VOpeak (WMD: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.94, I=0.0%, P=0.873), 6MWT (WMD: 27.64, 95% CI: 12.04 to 43.24, I= 0.0%, P=0.922), Pain (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.21, I= 66.0%, P=0.046) and Fatigue (SMD: -0.49, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.27, I= 0.0%, P=0.446). However, no significant benefit was found in Chest expansion, CRP, and ESR outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise therapy is an effective strategy for improving disease control and symptom relief in axSpA.
PubMed: 38942347
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.06.005 -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Jun 2024The identification of novel, easily measurable disease biomarkers might enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs). We conducted a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The identification of novel, easily measurable disease biomarkers might enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a marker of oxidative stress, acidosis, and ischemia, in RD patients and healthy controls.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to January 15, 2024. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively.
RESULTS
In 20 studies investigating a total of 1188 RD patients (mean age 45 years, 64% females) and 981 healthy controls (mean age 44 years, 66% females), RD patients had significantly higher IMA concentrations when compared to controls (standard mean difference, SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.18-0.83, p = .003; I = 92.4%, p < .001; low certainty of evidence). In subgroup analysis, the pooled SMD was significantly different in studies investigating ankylosing spondylitis (p < .001), Behçet's disease (p < .001), and rheumatoid arthritis (p = .033), but not familial Mediterranean fever (p = .48). Further associations were observed between the pooled SMD and the broad classification of autoimmune and/or autoinflammatory diseases, the study country, and the method used to measure IMA.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that IMA is a promising biomarker of oxidative stress, acidosis, and ischemia, as it can effectively discriminate between patients with different types of RDs and healthy controls. Our results warrant confirmation in longitudinal studies of patients with different types of RDs and different ethnicities (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024509126).
Topics: Humans; Rheumatic Diseases; Biomarkers; Serum Albumin, Human; Oxidative Stress; Female; Ischemia; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38888377
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1324 -
The South African Journal of... 2024Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterised as a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton. The force platform is an option for performing the postural... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterised as a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton. The force platform is an option for performing the postural assessment of these individuals.
OBJECTIVES
To review and evaluate the behaviour of the centre of pressure (CoP) variables during the postural control examination in patients with AS compared to a control group.
METHOD
A systematic review, registered in PROSPERO, that followed the PRISMA Statement. A search was carried out in the following databases: Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Scielo, from 1945 to 2023. Studies were selected that aimed to understand the use of the force platform for the assessment of postural control. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the AXIS tool.
RESULTS
Five studies were included, with a total of 247 participants. The assessment of risk of bias presented high scores in the AXIS tool. Patients with a diagnosis of AS presented increased thoracic kyphosis in most of the studies, as well as large displacements in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, and altered total mean velocity (TMV) and frequency, indicating worse postural stability. Regarding the functional status, the most used questionnaires were the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) and Bath Ankylosing Disease Activity Index (BASDAI).
CONCLUSION
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis present postural instability, verified by means of higher values of centre of posture variables.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis presented postural instability and balance deficit. Therefore, exercises for balance training and postural control are essential in the clinical management of these patients.
PubMed: 38841593
DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v80i1.1953 -
Quality of Life Research : An... Jun 2024Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and results in a serious disease burden. Health state utility values (HSUVs) are a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and results in a serious disease burden. Health state utility values (HSUVs) are a valuable tool for quantifying this burden and conducting cost-utility analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain estimates of HSUVs in patients with AS, explored potential sources of heterogeneity, and compared pooled patient HSUVs with population norms.
METHOD
We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane database and Scopus until July, 2023 to obtain eligible studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I checklist.
RESULTS
Forty-two publications involving 11,354 participants were included in this systematic review. The most commonly used instrument is the EQ-5D (38 studies). The estimated HSUVs for patients with AS from all available studies was pooled as 0.62 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.65). The pooled mean utility estimates from the random effects meta-analysis for SF-6D, EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, and HUI3 were 0.65 (95% CI 0.62,0.68), 0.63 (95% CI 0.59,0.66), 0.60 (95% CI 0.42,0.79), and 0.48 (95% CI 0.43,0.53), respectively. For the EQ-5D-3L we conducted stratified meta-analyses and meta-regression based on key subgroups. The pooled estimates of EQ-5D-3L were lower for patients published before 2010, with high disease activity, long duration of disease, and in developed countries.
CONCLUSION
Pooled estimates of HSUVs for people with AS were substantially lower than population norms. These estimates provide robust evidence that can inform the economic evaluation of new therapies for individuals with AS.
PubMed: 38824212
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03670-8 -
Radiographics : a Review Publication of... May 2024Nontraumatic pathologic conditions of the craniovertebral junction encompass a range of conditions affecting the complex anatomy of this region without direct physical... (Review)
Review
Nontraumatic pathologic conditions of the craniovertebral junction encompass a range of conditions affecting the complex anatomy of this region without direct physical injury. These conditions include congenital syndromes that predispose individuals to ligamentous laxity, potentially leading to instability. Additionally, rare but noteworthy cases such as Grisel syndrome, a cause of pediatric torticollis, may arise without a traumatic trigger. Inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and crystal deposition, can lead to cervical instability and spinal cord compression. Infections at the upper cervical spine are dominated by tuberculosis, typically transmitted through hematologic or lymphatic routes with characteristic imaging findings. On the other hand, purulent bacterial infections in this area are rare. Furthermore, although tumors involving the structures of the craniovertebral junction are infrequent, they can lead to significant complications, albeit less frequently through cord compression and more commonly via pathologic fractures or subluxation. The craniocervical junction is a complex anatomic region comprising ligaments, bones, joints, and muscles that support the head's weight and enable its wide range of motion. Accurate recognition and understanding of the complex anatomy and the various nontraumatic pathologic conditions at the craniovertebral junction are pivotal for initiating timely and appropriate treatment strategies. RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.
Topics: Child; Humans; Cervical Vertebrae; Joint Dislocations; Joint Instability; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spinal Cord Compression
PubMed: 38635454
DOI: 10.1148/rg.230137 -
Virtual Reality 2024This study aims to identify effective ways to design virtual rehabilitation to obtain physical improvement (e.g. balance and gait) and support engagement (i.e....
This study aims to identify effective ways to design virtual rehabilitation to obtain physical improvement (e.g. balance and gait) and support engagement (i.e. motivation) for people with osteoporosis or other musculoskeletal disorders. Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder and is among the most prevalent diseases globally, affecting 0.5 billion adults. Despite the fact that the number of people with osteoporosis is similar to, or greater than those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and dementia, osteoporosis does not receive the same recognition. Worldwide, osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures annually; it is associated with substantial pain, suffering, disability and increased mortality. The importance of physical therapy as a rehabilitation strategy to avoid osteoporosis fracture cannot be over-emphasised. However, the main rehabilitation challenges relate to engagement and participation. The use of virtual rehabilitation to address such challenges in the delivery of physical improvement is gaining in popularity. As there currently is a paucity of literature applying virtual rehabilitation to patients with osteoporosis, the authors broadened the search parameters to include articles relating to the virtual rehabilitation of other skeletal disorders (e.g. Ankylosing spondylitis, spinal cord injury, motor rehabilitation, etc.). This systematic review initially identified 130 titles, from which 23 articles (involving 539 participants) met all eligibility and selection criteria. Four groups of devices supporting virtual rehabilitation were identified: a head-mounted display, a balance board, a camera and more specific devices. Each device supported physical improvement (i.e. balance, muscle strength and gait) post-training. This review has shown that: (a) each device allowed improvement with different degrees of immersion, (b) the technology choice is dependent on the care need and (c) virtual rehabilitation can be equivalent to and enhance conventional therapy and potentially increase the patient's engagement with physical therapy.
PubMed: 38595908
DOI: 10.1007/s10055-024-00980-7 -
European Geriatric Medicine Apr 2024Sarcopenia is a condition defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, associated with poor functional performance and disability. Sarcopenia can be exacerbated or... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Sarcopenia is a condition defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, associated with poor functional performance and disability. Sarcopenia can be exacerbated or worsened in presence of inflammation, sedentary lifestyle and cytokine imbalance, thus it frequently occurs in people affected by rheumatic diseases. This systematic literature review aims to explore the association between sarcopenia and spondyloarthritis (SpA) and its most frequent manifestation, i.e. ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
METHODS
The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on muscle mass, muscle strength and axial SpA, from any date to November 2023. Only studies written in English were considered. The methodological quality of the studies included in the review was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales for observational studies and for case-control studies.
RESULTS
190 papers were retrieved from the searches, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. Rather than diagnosis of sarcopenia, pre-sarcopenia or probable sarcopenia were frequent in people with AS, with a great reduction especially of muscle strength. The pre-sarcopenia status appears to be related to high AS disease activity, suggesting that chronic inflammation resulting in pain, less movement and decreased physical activity could play a role in the muscle heath of AS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review confirms the existence of an association between AS and loss of muscle strength-likely sarcopenia-already at a young age. Preventive and early strategies should be adopted to ensure successful aging for individuals with AS.
PubMed: 38565837
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00968-1 -
ARP Rheumatology 2024
Topics: Humans; Spondylarthritis; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Exercise; Axial Spondyloarthritis
PubMed: 38557830
DOI: 10.63032/XLPE7170 -
ARP Rheumatology 2024
Topics: Humans; Spondylarthritis; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Exercise; Axial Spondyloarthritis
PubMed: 38557481
DOI: 10.63032/XIBZ5040 -
International Archives of Allergy and... 2024A growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors in treating non-radiographic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
A growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors in treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TNF-α inhibitors in the treatment of nr-axSpA.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant RCTs using specific keywords up to June 2023. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society 40% (ASAS40). Secondary outcomes included ASAS20, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50% (BASDAI50), ASAS partial remission, and ASAS5/6.
RESULTS
A total of eight RCTs involving 1,376 patients were included. Patients receiving anti-TNF therapy exhibited a higher rate of ASAS40 (pooled RR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.63-3.42; p < 0.001). In addition, the TNF-α inhibitor group showed higher BASDAI50 rates (pooled RR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.48-2.89), ASAS20 rates (pooled RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.31-1.67), ASAS partial remission rates (pooled RR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.58-3.43), and ASAS5/6 rates (RR = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.05-5.83) than the placebo group.
CONCLUSION
The TNF-α inhibitors were effective in treating nr-axSpA.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Treatment Outcome; Spondylarthritis; Antirheumatic Agents; Spondylitis, Ankylosing
PubMed: 38432201
DOI: 10.1159/000536601